556-day first proves Celtic have 'difference maker' in Rangers-Hearts title battle - but toiling duo need help

Celtic captain Callum McGregor believes Jota’s impact as a second-half substitute in the 2-2 draw with Dundee United was a powerful reminder of just how much they missed his creative spark during his long injury layoff.

Jota, 27, came off the bench for the fourth league game in succession and set up Celtic’s equalising goal in the 65th minute, crossing for Liam Scales to head home and keep them four points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership table.

Celtic winger Jota registered his first goal contribution following his 18 month injury layoff in the draw with Dundee United. | SNS Group

His first goal contribution since he bagged the final goal in a 5-0 win over St Johnstone in the Scottish Cup on April 20, 2025, a whole 556 days ago, McGregor admits he is beginning to see glimpses of the talented player who endeared himself to the Celtic support with dazzling wing-play before his devastating knee injury 18 months ago.

“It’s brilliant to see,” said McGregor. “Obviously, he's a top player, has been for us over a couple of spells, and it's great to see him back. He's a real talent, and certainly someone who makes us better when we're on the pitch as well. You can give him the ball, and he can do such special things with it. Touch wood, we can keep him fit. He’s enjoying being back, and we're enjoying having him back.

“He's one of these guys that, you know, loves playing football, loves being on the ball, loves making things happen. When you've got a player like him, you try and serve him the ball as much as you can and he can be the sort of difference-maker for you in tight games.”

McGregor also defended the performances of misfiring duo Kasper Hogh and Haissem Hassan, who were brought to the club for a combined £20million in the summer. The former is now 13 games without a goal following his move from Bodo/Glimt, while the latter has registered just one assist in nine appearances.

Both players were singled out for praise by boss Martin O’Neill after their performance in the draw with Dundee United on Wednesday, and McGregor has echoed his manager’s thoughts, but believes he and his teammate must do more to help the pair flourish in the weeks and months ahead.

“It's trying to get these guys the ball in the most effective areas, and then letting them show their talent,” admitted McGregor. “We don't get that much training time now with the with the games, but he's he is working hard. Obviously he [Hogh] can score goals, he's scored goals at a really high level as well, so we we have to respect that.

“It's trying to make the game more consistent for guys like him, the strikers, the wingers, that we can get them in the most effective areas. All strikers go through good spells and they go through bad spells. Sometimes you just need a goal to hit off them and and then the floodgates open.

Kasper Hogh is now 13 games with a goal for Celtic following his summer move from Bodo/Glimt. | SNS Group

“He's come with a big price tag, there's obviously a lot of expectation, but it's our job to protect him as well, and make the game as easy as it can be for him so that he can get his goals. We're all in it together, we're we're working hard with him and we back him to get goals.

“I think the second half was obviously evident to see for everyone and if you keep getting them in there, 10, 15, 20 times a game, then they will create and score goals. Our job is to try and get them to that point and and make them the most efficient they can be.”

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