Celtic’s Portuguese trickster Felipe Jota has spoken after the Hoops reached the Premier Sports Cup Final after a James Forrest goal was the difference between the two sides. Jota was excellent throughout the game, causing the turgid St Johnstone defence no end of problems before he was substituted late on.
The Benfica loanee is certainly cementing himself as a player close to the hearts of the Celtic Support. Having signed on loan with the option of a permanent deal, the fan-base have been calling on the Celtic hierarchy to make Jota’s temporary switch permanent. It’s not hard to see why after displays like today at Hampden Park. His sensational footwork and constant trickery are a menace for every team he comes up against. He was unfortunate not to get on the scoresheet today having got into good positions a few times, only to be thwarted by a dogged Saints defence.
After a determined display by Callum Davidson’s men, Celtic eventually found the net through comeback king, James Forrest. James has suffered from a consistent run of injuries hampering his ability to aid the team in crucial matches for what seems like forever. Jota even reserved praise for his recently revived teammate, insisting that today was ‘James’ moment’. It’s frightening to think what like that front three so be like when James starts to play regularly again. Jota, Kyogo and Forrest – that is a forward line that most club’s would be envious of and others terrified of.
Jota maintains that even though we have reached another League Cup Final under the new boss, Ange Postecoglou, everyone in the Celtic camp is just concentrating on the next fixture as opposed to far ahead in the future. Focus has been a crucial factor under the new manager and Jota and company look as if they are hungry to prove a point this season. Hopefully Jota and his comrades can go one further after today’s monumentous victory and seal the first piece of silverware of the season in December. We might even be able to do it against tax dodgers – provided they beat Jack Ross men at the national stadium tomorrow afternoon. Exciting times ahead.
Watch Jota’s interview after the game below…
Paul Gillespie
