Celtic Wonderkid Steals Jota’s Comeback Show

Jota’s long-awaited return was supposed to be the headline from Celtic’s behind-closed-doors meeting with Falkirk.

Instead, 17-year-old Lucas Clearie gave everyone another name to talk about.

The Portuguese winger completed 45 minutes at Lennoxtown as Celtic recorded a 2-0 victory over the Premiership side.

After 524 days without playing a match, simply seeing Jota back on the pitch was a major boost.

However, Clearie made sure the afternoon also belonged to Celtic’s academy.

Clearie scores both Celtic goals

Clearie scored both goals against Falkirk, continuing an outstanding start to the season for the young striker.

This was not simply a teenager finding the net against other academy players either.

Falkirk provided Premiership opposition and Clearie took his opportunity.

His performances for Celtic B had already started attracting attention.

Clearie has scored 10 Lowland League goals this season. He has also scored five times against senior opposition in three KDM Evolution Trophy appearances.

That included a remarkable hat-trick against Stranraer as Celtic B came from 3-1 down to win 4-3.

He also scored a hat-trick as Celtic defeated Motherwell 10-0 in the Scottish Youth Cup.

Celtic youngster keeps making his case

Clearie signed his first professional Celtic contract in 2025 and has since continued progressing through the club’s academy.

His form also earned him recognition with Scotland Under-19s, while he is included among Celtic’s List B players for European competition.

None of that means Celtic should rush a 17-year-old into the first team before he is ready.

But there comes a point when sustained performances become increasingly difficult to ignore.

Clearie is reaching that stage.

Goals at B-team level are one thing. Scoring against experienced senior players is another. Producing both goals when given an opportunity against Premiership opposition adds another impressive marker.

Jota boost becomes a double celebration

There was also hugely encouraging news concerning Jota.

After such a lengthy rehabilitation from his serious knee injury, getting through 45 minutes represents another significant step towards competitive football.

Martin O’Neill has previously suggested Jota could return around Halloween, although his recent progress has raised hopes that timetable could accelerate.

For Celtic, though, Friday afternoon may ultimately have provided two reasons for optimism.

One established favourite moved another step closer to his Parkhead comeback.

And while everyone was watching Jota, one of Celtic’s brightest young prospects made absolutely certain he could not be overlooked.