JOTA GETS THE GREEN LIGHT as Celtic receive huge boost

Filipe Jota set for first Celtic appearance in 18 months

Filipe Jota is set to take another major step towards a Celtic comeback when he features in a bounce game against Falkirk at Lennoxtown today.

The Portuguese winger has been sidelined for around 18 months after suffering an ACL injury during Celtic’s 5-0 victory over Dundee United at Tannadice on April 26 last year.

Jota was forced to undergo surgery after the injury disrupted a number of previous attempts to return to action. However, the 27-year-old has now been cleared to take part in a full competitive-style workout as he continues his rehabilitation.

The friendly against Falkirk represents another important milestone for the popular winger, who has been training alongside the Celtic first-team squad for several weeks.

Jota has not featured for the Hoops since before Martin O’Neill returned to the dugout, meaning the manager has never had the opportunity to use the winger during either of his interim spells in charge.

His return could therefore provide O’Neill with another attacking option as Celtic prepare for the remainder of the season.

Yang Hyun-jun will also be available again shortly after representing South Korea at the Asian Games in Japan.

The winger has missed Celtic’s last four matches because of the tournament but is expected to return following tomorrow’s final.

Yang is in excellent form and should be restored to the starting XI when Celtic travel to face Motherwell at Fir Park next Sunday.