Martin O’Neill delivers positive Celtic injury update on trio as star tipped to feel like a ‘new’ signing

Celtic have received an encouraging injury boost during the international break, with three players now back on the grass.

Martin O’Neill has revealed that Jota, Alistair Johnston and Callum Osmand are all making progress as Celtic prepare to return to action against Motherwell.

Jota is the biggest name among the returning trio, with the Portuguese winger now edging closer to his first competitive appearance for the Hoops in 18 months.

The popular winger featured for 45 minutes in a behind-closed-doors bounce game against Falkirk at Lennoxtown last week, giving Celtic another positive indication that his long-awaited comeback is approaching.

O’Neill believes Jota’s return could almost feel like the arrival of a new player given how long he has been away from the team.

O’Neill provides positive Celtic injury update

Speaking to CelticPlayer, O’Neill confirmed that Jota came through his latest test without issue, while Johnston and Osmand have also resumed work on the grass.

“Jota had 45 minutes in a bounce game against Falkirk last Friday, and that was nice, that was really good,” O’Neill said.

“Alistair Johnston’s on the grass now and young Callum Osmand is doing the same as well, so that’s encouraging. A couple of other injuries are a bit further behind but we’re making progress.”

The Celtic manager was also pleased with the intensity of the Falkirk fixture, which provided Jota with valuable competitive minutes as he continues his rehabilitation.

For O’Neill, having important players begin to return at this stage of the campaign can only be viewed as a positive.

Jota’s comeback could be particularly significant.

The winger has not played regularly for Celtic since suffering his ACL injury, having previously impressed during his time at Parkhead before moving to Saudi Arabia.

O’Neill believes supporters could effectively see Jota as a fresh addition to his squad when he is finally ready to return.

“I’d have to go back and look at videos of him,” O’Neill said. “They tell me he was terrific before he headed out to Saudi, came back, picked up the injury, so it’s been a long time.

“That will definitely – I know it’s an old cliché – that definitely will feel like a new player coming to the club, as far as I’m concerned anyway.”

O’Neill ready to get Celtic season back on track

The returning players will be welcomed back into a Celtic squad that endured a difficult spell before the international break.

The Hoops suffered three consecutive defeats, including two losses to Rangers, leaving O’Neill under increased pressure.

The manager had previously admitted that he would use the international window to reflect on his position, but he has now made it clear that he remains fully committed to leading Celtic.

The veteran boss insists the difficult run has not changed his ambitions and says he is ready to get back to work.

“We had a difficult week. That can happen. You can lose to your arch rivals. You can lose a European game,” O’Neill said.

“It didn’t take me that much time to think about it. I want to lead the club. I want to try and win the league – which is what we set out to do.

“It was a time of reflection for a moment or two, but overall, I’m back. I’m raring to go and the team’s ready.”

With Celtic returning to competitive action against Motherwell on Sunday, O’Neill will hope the improving fitness situation can provide another lift as his side look to respond to their difficult run.