FORMER Celtic goal hero Chris Sutton has expressed concerns over Filipe Jota expectation levels.
The Portuguese winger played 45 minutes of the Hoops’ 2-0 win over Falkirk in the bounce game at Lennoxtown yesterday, as CQN reported.
It was Jota’s first appearance since limping off in the first-half of the Hoops’ 5-0 success over Dundee United at Tannadice on April 26 last year when the club sealed their fourth successive title.
The 27-year-old idol of the Hoops support was forced to undergo surgery on an ACL injury during the summer and the rehabilitation period wiped out last season entirely and has prevented him from playing in a competitive encounter this time around.
After several weeks of light training with the first-team squad, Martin O’Neill was given the green light to organise a match to ease the wide Bhoy back into action.
JOTA’S BACK…Celtic’s Portuguese ace in action in the 3-1 win over Motherwell at Fir Park in February 2025, the winger’s first game after his £8.5million return from French club Rennes.
Jota came through the first-half without mishap and is now preparing for the next stage of his planned comeback.
However, Sutton has a word of caution for the champions’ expectant followers.
The one-time England international forward said: “Jota is back. Or, at least, he’s getting there.
“I’ve heard plenty of excited Celtic fans saying it this week. The Portuguese star took another step towards his long-awaited return yesterday by featuring in a bounce game after 18 months on the sidelines.
“It’s music to the ears of supporters desperate to see their favourite back in the Hoops. I get that. But I’m urging caution.
“For me, the big question isn’t whether Jota can still produce magic. It’s which Jota are Celtic actually getting?
“Give me the Jota of his first spell and he walks straight into my top XI. He gets the captain’s armband. I’d give him a new contract.”
WHAM, BANG, THANK YOU, YANG…the South Korean winger celebrates after scoring the winner in the 2-1 triumph over St Mirren in Paisley.
Sutton, speaking to the Daily Record, added: “But the Jota who returned from Saudi Arabia and Rennes wasn’t the same player.
“He’ll feel like a new signing. But this isn’t prime Jota. He needs time – and patience – to show he can get back to those levels.
“I’m sure Martin O’Neill won’t rush him.”
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