Jota has opened up on the talks he has had with Martin O’Neill since the Irishman returned to Celtic for a second spell last season.

It was another step forward for Jota after a long period out through injury, with Celtic carefully managing his return rather than rushing him back into full involvement.

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The Portuguese winger has already spoken about the mental and physical challenge of being away from the pitch for so long, and his latest comments give a good insight into how O’Neill has handled him behind the scenes.

Speaking to The Scotsman, he said: “We’ve had a couple of talks.

“He wasn’t in a position where he could do much because obviously I was away and I wasn’t participating with the team.

“So I think he was just expecting and giving me the time to be healthy and I value that because maybe in another place, I wouldn’t have that possibility.

“And here they gave me the possibility to return fit, healthy and clear-minded.”

O’Neill could not do much with him on the training pitch while the winger was still away from first-team, but the manager appears to have given him space rather than applying pressure.

Celtic supporters saw the benefit of that patience against Hearts. Jota is still building minutes, but his touchline reception and flashes on the ball showed how much he has been missed.

His next steps will come domestically, where O’Neill and the medical staff can keep controlling his minutes.

Jota’s comment also say something about the environment Celtic have tried to give him during his recovery.

He was allowed to take the time he needed, and he clearly values that.

Now the task is to turn cameos into longer spells, and eventually starts, without putting him at risk after such a long road back.