CELTIC hero Jackie McNamara insists the fans will now see the very best of Filipe Jota.
The former Hoops and Scotland international defender believes the electrifying Portuguese ace will benefit from agreeing a four-year contract in the summer following his initial impressive season-long loan from Benfica.
Ange Postecoglou did not hesitate in shelling out £6.5million for the 23-year-old fans’ favourite and his judgement has been endorsed with the touchline wizard’s start to the new crusade.
HAIL THE HERO…Filipe Jota runs away after firing his long-range howitzer past helpless Kilmarnock keeper Sam Walker in the 5-0 romp.
Jota thundered in a breathtaking drive for the killer second goal in the opening-day 2-0 win over Aberdeen at Parkhead and followed that up with three assists in the 3-1 victory over Ross County when he set up the goals for Kyogo Furuhashi, Mortitz Jenz and Liel Abada.
He continued the eye-catching form with a thunderous long-range effort in the 5-0 triumph over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park at the weekend and he has now set his sites on Hearts in the east end of Glasgow on Sunday.
McNamara likes what he is watching and commented: “I said a few weeks ago, I think this will be a big season for Jota.
“You know, last year he was on loan, now he’s a permanent Celtic player and sometimes your second season can be the hardest.
HEAVENWARDS…Filipe Jota celebrates another superb strike at Rugby Park.
GLEE CLUB…Filipe Jota and Greg Taylor discuss another memorable goal.
“But I think the way he’s started the season, and with the goals that he has scored so far, he is looking exciting.”
The one-time right-back, who was part of Wim Jansen’s side that prevented 10-in-a-row for Walter Smith’s Ibrox team in 1998, told Sky Sports: “Sometimes when players come in on loan, it’s a bit different because they maybe don’t feel as part of it as the permanent players.
“So, I think that he is settled now and you can see that in his game – his confidence and how well he is playing.”
