Jota’s Returns To Training. This Could Transform Celtic—And Hassan Makes It Even More Exciting

There are few sights that will excite Celtic supporters more than seeing Jota back on the Lennoxtown training pitches.

For a year and a half, the Portuguese winger has been working tirelessly behind the scenes after his long-term injury. Now, he’s edging ever closer to pulling on the famous green and white hoops once again.

The timing couldn’t be more intriguing.

With Haissem Hassan reportedly on the verge of completing his move to Celtic, Martin O’Neill suddenly finds himself on the cusp of assembling one of the most exciting attacking units the club has had in years.

If—and it is still an if—Jota returns as the player Celtic supporters remember, it could completely revolutionise this team.

A Different Dimension

There are good wingers.

Then there’s Jota.

At his best, he wasn’t simply a wide player. He was the footballer supporters paid to watch.

He could glide past defenders with ease.

He could score spectacular goals.

He could create chances out of absolutely nothing.

Most importantly, he gave Celtic something every top team needs.

Unpredictability.

Opponents knew exactly what he wanted to do, yet they still couldn’t stop him.

Those are the players who decide the biggest games.

Adding Hassan Changes Everything

If Hassan completes his expected move from Real Oviedo, Celtic suddenly have a fascinating blend of attacking options.

Hassan offers directness and blistering pace.

He’s the type of winger who wants to isolate his full-back and attack him relentlessly.

Jota, meanwhile, offers elegance, intelligence and creativity.

They’re different players.

That’s exactly why they could complement each other so well.

Instead of relying on one style of attack, Celtic would suddenly possess multiple ways of hurting opponents.

Competition Breeds Success

One criticism levelled at Celtic in recent seasons has been a lack of genuine competition in wide areas.

Now imagine trying to pick two starting wingers from Jota, Hassan and the other attacking options already at Martin O’Neill’s disposal.

Nobody’s place becomes guaranteed.

Standards rise.

Training becomes more competitive.

Performances improve.

That’s exactly what every successful squad is built upon.

The Biggest Question

Of course, one question remains.

Can Jota get back to the level that made him one of Celtic’s most loved players of the modern era?

Returning from a serious injury is never straightforward.

It takes time.

Rhythm.

Confidence.

Supporters shouldn’t expect the old Jota to reappear overnight.

But if anyone possesses the technical ability to rediscover that level, it’s him.

At 27 years old, he should still have some of the best football of his career ahead of him.

A Mouthwatering Prospect

Imagine it.

Jota drifting inside from one flank.

Hassan driving at defenders from the other.

Kasper Høgh leading the line.

Camilo Durán stretching defences with his movement.

Suddenly, Celtic don’t just look stronger.

They look frightening.

For weeks, supporters have been waiting for the transfer window to spark into life.

Now it appears to be doing exactly that.

Hassan looks set to arrive.

Jota is back on the training pitch.

And while there is still plenty of work to do before the window closes, Celtic fans finally have every reason to look ahead with genuine excitement.

Because if Jota returns as the player he once was, and Hassan settles as quickly as many hope, Martin O’Neill could be about to unleash the most dangerous Celtic attack Scottish football has seen in years.