Celtic risk Jota 'disaster' after 'behind-the-scenes' move

Celtic cannot try to rush forward Jota back into competitive action in order to try to please their fanbase.

That is according to former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that the Bhoys could trigger a "disaster" if they expect too much too soon from the Portuguese.

The 27-year-old recently stepped up his recovery with a 45-minute cameo in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Falkirk last week, his first involvement in any game for Celtic since April 2025.

However, Wyness has warned that Martin O'Neill and Co. will be playing with fire if they try to throw the winger in at the deep end after the international break.

Jota is now into the final stages of his recovery from what has been a potentially career-threatening ACL injury, and could be just weeks away from a long-awaited return to competitive action.

However, Wyness is adamant that the most Celtic fans can expect is for the former Benfica ace to play a very minor role for the rest of the campaign.

Jota still on 'step one out of 20'

Aberdeen's former chief Wyness - who served as CEO at Pittodrie between 2000 and 2004 and now runs a consultancy business advising elite clubs - believes that Jota is effectively still on step one of the "next 20 steps" in terms of his recovery.

The Scottish businessman is clear that the player likely still has up to six months to go until he is back firing on all cylinders regularly again.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, Wyness explained why the final stages of Jota's recovery are still fraught with danger for Celtic.

"Well, let's put this in real perspective. A 45-minute cameo in a behind-closed-doors game is probably one step in the next 20 steps in terms of his recovery," he said.

"After a long 18-month layoff, you're looking at six months to get a proper recovery now. If the board and O'Neill rush him back trying to gain some kudos with the fans, that'll be a disaster. 

"Not only for the player, but also for any resale value for the asset going forward. They've really got to wrap him in cotton wool and take this on properly. 

"There's no doubt he's a talent, but they've got to do this right, and they can't rush things at all. I would expect him just to play a very minor role this season, and I hope he gets stronger and comes back. But nothing else can be done apart from that, in my view."

Dermot Desmond has made 'huge mistake' at Celtic

Wyness told Football Insider on Wednesday that Celtic owner Dermot Desmond has made a "huge mistake" by "ordering" a scathing statement after the recent protests against him.

The Alfred Dunhill Links golf championship was disrupted last week, after Celtic fans threw tennis balls onto the course during Desmond's round.

The club have since issued a statement strongly condemning their fans' actions, and denouncing the Celtic Fans Collective in the process.

However, Wyness believes that the statement was completely the wrong move from Desmond, and expects that it will only add further fuel to the fire.

Tension between the board and the fans remain high at Celtic Park, and issues between the two parties have flared up continuously in recent months.