Former Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths has called for calm, telling the Celtic fans to relax over the slow pursuit of Jota as James Forrest is “the main man at the club in the wide areas.”
Celtic supporters are desperate to see Jota make his loan move a permanent one, having enjoyed watching the Portuguese winger in action throughout last season. The move is widely expected to be complete in the next week or two, but many within the faithful have started getting itchy feet in their wait for an announcement.
Griffiths is less concerned though. The former Celtic star told the Daily Record:
“I don’t think the Celtic fans should be panicking over the delay in Jota signing on for next season.
“James is the main man at the club in the wide areas. Jota had a brilliant season and the fans love him – but James has done it season after season and can be the key player again in the coming campaign.
“Everyone knows he’s had his injuries but I don’t think there’s a player who works as hard behind the scenes as Jamesie.
“He needs to stay injury free but when you see him in training and in full flow he’s incredible.
“I’m sure boys like Scott Brown and Callum McGregor would back me up when we are asked who is the best player at Celtic?
“Most of his team-mates will say it’s James Forrest. He does things in training that make you stand back and go, ‘Wow.’
“I know James well and he’ll be wanting to shut a few people up as he’s been knocked time after time and just come roaring back.
“Ask any Celtic player who wows them in training and James will always be on the tip of their tongue.”
Forrest didn’t enjoy much of a run in the team last season, but he did record an important goal in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final victory over St Johnstone, as well as finding the net at Livingston. A big season is expected from him, despite approaching the twilight of his career.
In terms of Jota, the Benfica winger is likely to complete his move to Glasgow, with Celtic holding a £6.4m option to buy the player.