ANGE’S BHOYS HAVE THE HUNGER AND DRIVE TO BRING
the squad and pointed to a lack of hunger.
But Jota’s ignored the Light Blues uproar and is adamant there are no such problems at Celts as they are determined to compete on all fronts.
The 22-year-old, yesterday named the Premiership player of the month for October, said: “To play for Celtic you must be hungry. That’s what we are looking for. We want to win every game, every competition.
“We will stick to our process, which is what we are doing.”
Jota is thrilled the club have set up a final against Hibs next month and he’s determined to fight it out for the league title.
But his immediate aim is to keep the club’s Europa League dream alive in Germany as they clash with Bundesliga big guns Bayer Leverkusen on Thursday.
Ange Postecoglou’s side are likely to need something from the game to stay in the hunt for the knockout stages but Jota is convinced the Hoops have what it take to win.
He said: “You need to win every game. Playing for Celtic, that is a must. We don’t go out to draw or to lose. That’s just not in our perspective. We will fight for the victory in every single game. Can we take heart from the first game when we scored three away against Real Betis? Yes, we’ll fight for the result, we’ll work for the result.”
Celtic are hoping to turn borrowed Benfica star Jota’s deal into a permanent move by meeting the Portuguese outfit’s £6.5million buyout clause.
There could be a scramble for his services after an impressive start in Scotland but Jota has put any transfer talk to the back of his mind.
He added: “I’m not thinking
about what is going to happen next week, next month, next year. Just let me enjoy football.
“I’m very happy with how things are going in this first stage. Now I want to keep on going, do the best I can and learn as much as I can.
“Is there more to come from me? Yes, for sure. My aim and goals are very high. I want to work a lot to help the team and to achieve my objectives.
“I’m enjoying my football. It’s been great and whatever has to happen will happen in time.”
Stephen Welsh could be available for the clash with
Leverkusen after tests showed he did not suffer a concussion in the wake of taking an elbow to the head from St Johnstone’s Shaun Rooney at Hampden.
Defender Carl Starfelt has returned to training after almost a month out.
Meanwhile, keeper Scott
Bain, right, is ready to sign a new contract.
The 29-year-old’s deal is up in 2023 but he is poised to add 12 months.
Bain, who signed for Celts in January 2018, has been the main back-up to Joe Hart this season.