Martin O’Neill has had plenty to answer for in recent weeks. A Glasgow derby defeat put his early-season selections under the microscope, and he even tried a formation with no wingers at the start of the Motherwell game, though by full time three of them were on the pitch. Against that backdrop, the return of Jota felt like more than a squad update.
The Portuguese winger was named among the substitutes against Motherwell, his first involvement with the first team since last April. Then came the moment Celtic fans had waited for. Jota came on at half-time against Hearts at Celtic Park, ending an absence of 534 days through injury, and he did so in a 7-1 rout of the side that had led the title race for so long last season.
The timing could hardly have been better. Celtic have been managing his comeback carefully rather than rushing him, and pundits like Charlie Mulgrew have argued that his pace and creativity could give O’Neill the attacking spark the team has lacked. The winger has since spoken about the conversations he has had with O’Neill since the manager returned to Celtic, which says a lot about the trust between them.
O’Neill, now 74, is in his permanent role after leading Celtic to a dramatic title win on the final day last season, followed by the Scottish Cup. That success bought him patience, but patience only lasts so long at Parkhead. The Hearts result will have eased the pressure, and Jota’s fitness is the real prize. If he stays healthy, O’Neill finally has the kind of match-winner who can turn a difficult autumn into something much better.
