Jota’s return to Celtic Park could hardly have come in a more enjoyable setting.

It was Jota’s first appearance in front of the Celtic Park crowd since returning from injury, and the reception said plenty.

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The winger replaced Callum Osmand at the break, with the youngster coming off after scoring twice on his first Celtic start. It was a surprising change given Osmand was on a hat-trick, but Celtic were already well clear and O’Neill clearly had minutes and fitness in mind.

Jota was warmly welcomed back by the home support.

After a difficult period out, this was the kind of afternoon where he could get back on the pitch without the pressure of chasing a result.

His first real involvement was not ideal, with the winger booked almost straight away after a foul on Tómas Magnússon. But once he settled, there were flashes of the player Celtic supporters have missed.

One moment in the second half summed it up.

Chris Sutton summed it up on Sky Sports, saying: “Jota can make you look foolish can’t he? Celtic really missed his swagger.”

🪄 “He can make you look foolish”

Celtic fans are enjoying having Jota back 7️⃣ https://t.co/A3N3As5mVX

— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) October 18, 2026

That is exactly what Celtic have lacked at times this season.

The goals came from elsewhere against Hearts, with Kieran Tierney, Benjamin Nygren, Callum Osmand and Camilo Duran doing the damage. Jamie McCart’s own goal added to Hearts’ misery before Nygren rounded off the scoring late on.

But Jota’s return still mattered.

Celtic have a heavy run of fixtures coming, including Thursday’s Europa League meeting with Celta Vigo, and O’Neill needs as many attacking options as possible.

This was a small step for Jota in fitness terms, but a big one emotionally.

Celtic Park had waited to see him again. On a day when Hearts were pulled apart, the returning winger got his moment too.