Kris Commons names ‘special’ Celtic player that must face Rangers

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Ange Postecoglou has had a host of injuries to key players that he has had to contend with over the last couple of weeks.

Jota, Reo Hatate and Liel Abada are all still doubtful for this week’s Glasgow Derby Scottish Cup tie but Kris Commons has said that the Rangers players will be hoping that one of the three doesn’t make the tie.

Writing in his column in The Daily Mail, Commons said, “One thing I’d hope for with Celtic is to see Jota return to fitness. He was certainly missed at the weekend and he gives you that something special. That spark.

“I love Reo Hatate and there’s no doubt he’s been a loss in central midfield, too. If both of them make it for the semi-final, great. But Jota brings something extra to Celtic from wide areas that can’t quite be replicated.

“If you’re in the Rangers camp, your heart sinks just a little bit if he’s on the team sheet. If he’s not, then it will be good news for Beale for sure.

“All eyes now turn to Sunday. If Celtic start how they usually start – on the front foot – then I just think they’ll have too much for their rivals to handle.”

Jota’s return is the most important at Celtic

I suppose it’s all a matter of opinion here but in mine, I think the return of the Portuguese winger is the most important out of the three.

Now hear me out. Of course, Reo Hatate and Liel Abada are important to the Celtic team but in Tomoki Iwata, we have a player who can be trusted to fill in effectively for his Japanese countryman.

Jota has had a huge say in Celtic’s two league home games against Rangers with vital goals in the 4-0 and 3-2 victories. He can create something out of nothing.

One of my contenders for Celtic’s Player of the Year, his goals and assists would be a huge miss.

Abada and Haksabanovic are great impact players. Players to bring on after defenders have had 60 minutes of being tormented by Jota.

Sead Haksabanovic has struggled to make an impact whenever he has been given a first-team start and whilst I am a huge fan of him and Abada, if I had a choice, I would be having Jota in the lineup all day long.