Jota is being lined up to feature in a bounce game for Celtic during the international break, according to a report.
The winger is getting closer to a return to action following 17 months out with a ruptured ACL, and returned to training in recent weeks.
Now, the Scottish Sun is reporting Martin O'Neill is hoping to arrange a behind-closed-doors friendly to provide the 27-year-old with the chance of some game time.
The end of October had been pencilled in for a return to the matchday squad, but O'Neill revealed Jota had been making faster progress than anticipated.
He could return earlier in October as a result.
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O'Neill said: "Jota might be ready more quickly than I thought. He’s coming along very well.
“It’s been a long time, but he’s been doing really well in small-sided matches he’s been involved in.
“Jota’s not been stretched too much yet but that will come for him over this month.”
The Portuguese star's injury came during a win over Dundee United in April 2025, and he was seen on crutches on the pitch after the game.
It was initially thought he would be out for around nine months but setbacks along the way has resulted in the lay-off being longer.
