CELTIC are smiles better now Portuguese maverick Filipe Jota is back on song.
The former Benfica prospect, who cost £6.5million when he joined on a permanent basis from the Lisbon giants in the summer, is winging his way back to top form at a crucial stage of the campaign.
Jaunty Jota has scored in recent league triumphs over Kilmarnock and Dundee United and is grinning while the champions are winning.
WALKING ON AIR…Filipe Jota takes off as Dundee United defender Kieran Freeman looks on.
Boss Ange Postecoglou said: “People forget that Jota had an unbelievable start to the season. He was incredible in the first few months and then he picked up an injury, and also had a bit of illness.
“But he has been outstanding for us in the last couple of weeks. He has looked really bright with the ball, he is working hard and physically he is in great shape.
“Mentally, he is in a great space and that is great for us. It all means he can finish the season really strong.
“If he is at his best, he isn’t just a fantastic player for us, but he is one who all our supporters love to watch. It’s exciting every time he gets the ball.”
The Hoops boss, speaking to the Daily Record, added: “I don’t think there would ever be a point where Jota doesn’t love what he is doing.
FOR HE’S A JOTA GOOD FELLOW…the Portuguese ace celebrates with the Celtic fans after his goal against Livingston in October.
“But like every footballer, you want to feel in a good condition to give the best of yourself.
“If you aren’t, you can get frustrated as you want to do things, you aren’t able to. But he’s in a great space now and that’s great for us.”
The Hoops are now preparing for the High Noon shoot-out with St Johnstone tomorrow and Jota toiled the last time he played at McDiarmid Park in October.
The touchline wizard was replaced at the interval and missed five games before he returned as a substitute against Livingston in West Lothian in when he scored the final goal in a 3-0 victory.
Now he aims to deliver the goods in Perth after a false start.
The Saints defenders have been warned!
