FLYING machine Filipe Jota claimed his first goal at Parkhead when he hit the breakthrough strike in the 3-0 Premier Sports League Cup quarter-final win over Raith Rovers.
The on-loan Benfica wide Bhoy caught the eye as he terrorised the Kirkcaldy rearguard while piloting Ange Postecoglou’s side through to a semi-final meeting with Cup holders St Johnstone at Hampden in November.
Jota, an instant fans’ favourite, was also involved in the second goal before the interval when he cut in to thrash a right-foot drive at goal. Keeper Jamie MacDonald did well to palm the effort away, but Liel Abada was lurking with intent and the Israeli winger nodded in his fifth Hoops goal.
NUMBER ONE…Filipe Jota signals his opening goal against Raith Rovers.
David Turnbull rolled the third into the net just after the restart as the side coasted against the Starks Park outfit who ended with only 10 men after Dario Zanatti had been banished for two fouls in four minutes as he hauled down Tom Rogic and then Anthony Ralston.
A delighted Jota said: “I was really happy to have scored my first goal at Celtic Park in front of these amazing fans and I’m looking forward to scoring more, assisting more and helping the team as much as I can.
“I thought all the plusses were there and we just have to trust in each other and deliver.
“And I think that’s what happened on this occasion and we are through to the next round, but we are just waiting for the next game.
SCREEN GEM…Filipe Jota is interviewed by Celtic TV after his excellent performance against the Fifers.
“My first goal is to be professional and help deliver results for the team.
“And after that I think everything just comes together and, hopefully, we can get a lot of wins.”
However, Jota has admitted he does have a problem since arriving on his year-long contract which has the option of a £6.5million permanent deal.
The Bhoy racer, speaking to Celtic TV, added: “First of all, it’s very cold so I’m still trying to adapt! I think one more week and I will be fine!
“But, talking seriously, the team is really good, the plusses are very good, I like the way we play football and I think we just need a bit more time to know each other because it’s a completely new team with new players.
“We are building something good here and we will deliver the results.”
