Martin O’Neill delivers some rare good news for Celtic fans

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has provided some much-needed positive news for fans ahead of Sunday’s Premiership match against Motherwell. The manager confirmed that key players Jota, Alistair Johnston, and Callum Osmand have shown progress in their respective recoveries, potentially adding valuable options to the team during an intense fixture lineup.

The most significant development is Jota’s return, who has not played in nearly 18 months due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained against Dundee United in April 2025. The Portuguese winger participated in a behind-closed-doors game against Falkirk last Friday, completing 45 minutes of action for the first time since his injury. O’Neill expressed his satisfaction with Jota’s performance, stating, "Jota had 45 minutes in a bounce game against Falkirk last Friday, and that was nice, that was really good."

Additionally, Alistair Johnston and Callum Osmand have returned to grass work, showing encouraging signs of recovery from their respective injuries. Neither player has received a definitive return date, and Celtic is cautious about accelerating their rehabilitation. However, the developments come at an important time for the club, following a run of three consecutive defeats. O’Neill emphasized the importance of the team’s determination and the positive impact of these progress updates on the squad’s morale.