Emotional Kyogo Furuhashi was "almost crying" when he was applauded onto the Celtic Park pitch upon his injury return.
The striker pulled up injured in a Boxing Day clash at St Johnstone after a hamstring problem earlier in the season.
And three months later he finally came back against the same opposition as a second half substitute.
Kyogo then came on against Rangers in the Scottish Cup semi-final before starting at Ross County at the weekend – and scoring within 12 minutes.
He finally seems ready to feature regularly in the run-in and looks likely to start for Celtic Sunday's derby clash in which a win would virtually seal the title.
Speaking to Celtic TV, he said: "When I returned to the game it was a very, very nice atmosphere.
"Home game, full stadium, that made me really happy.
"I was happy warming up and before going on the pitch the fans and supporters received me with a big applause.
"I felt the love of everybody. I was almost crying because I felt really happy.
"The team was really good in that game and I just wish I could have got a goal!"