Ange Postecoglou reckons Jota will be feeling “a lot better” after getting back on the Celtic scoresheet yesterday against Kilmarnock.
The winger hadn’t found the net since the match away to Real Madrid prior to his opener at Celtic Park after a period of unfortunate injury and illness issues.
He’s not been at his best, but it seems he is now again building to a peak and Postecoglou is hopeful of better to come.
As quoted by The Scottish Mail on Sunday [08/01 print edition, page 115], he said: “He’s had a rough trot. He had a bit of a niggle, injury-wise, and he’s one of the ones who got hit by the bug last week, and that knocked a fair few of them about.
“It is just a matter of getting him game-time. In that first half we didn’t get him on the ball as much as we should have and it’s fair to say he didn’t find his rhythm. I’m sure after today he’ll feel much better.”
Meanwhile, the winger himself also reckons he’s turning a corner, telling the paper: “It was not easy in the first half because Kilmarnock sat back. In the end we know teams are going to get tired because we have a high tempo. I was struggling with a virus. It definitely wasn’t the best for me but I’m building up again.”
Jota’s impact has been strong since his big-money switch last summer, scoring eight goals and assisting six more in 23 appearances.
But it definitely feels like he has more to offer on a consistent basis over the coming weeks. Having come through a difficult period, a regular starting berth is likely.
The big open pitch at Hampden could suit him next weekend in particular, having already punished Kilmarnock on multiple occasions this season.
A fully fit Jota will be a great asset to our trophy push over the coming months.
In other news, “Should be ready straight away”; Daizen Maeda sounds excited about Celtic transfer move.
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