Jota full of cheer after surprise visit to Celtic pub
FOR the regulars in one Celtic stronghold, the denim-clad figure perusing the memorabilia on the walls required a double-take. Jota’s visit to the Brazen Head pub in the city’s Gorbals area on a weekday morning last month may not have been the most curious event to have happened in Scottish football this season, but it was certainly right up there. No one knows exactly why the Portuguese star went out of his way to investigate what lay behind the doors or who was behind his impromptu visit. But the minutes he spent inside it enriched his understanding of the history of the club he now represents and the depth of feeling supporters have towards it. ‘It was pretty decent,’ he said. ‘It was not the full experience as I went there in the morning, so there weren’t a lot of people there. ‘But the people who were there were definitely passionate about Celtic and I could see that. It was just fun to be around these iconic people in this iconic place and just to find out a bit more about the culture of the club and the past.’ Like all Celtic pubs, the Brazen Head will be at bursting point today as no visiting fans will be inside Ibrox. As far as Jota is concerned, it is simply another challenge to overcome. The Portuguese winger feels the key to prevailing in such strange circumstances may rest with a little mind games. ‘It will definitely be something different from the usual atmosphere and we wish the fans could be there to support us,’ he said. ‘We need to imagine that they are there supporting us. We need to focus on the game.’ Jota has scored three times against Rangers this season. Another big performance today could further boost his international ambitions, with new Portugal boss Roberto Martinez having spoken warmly of the 24-year-old this week. ‘It’s always nice to hear some words from the national team coach,’ said Jota. ‘That says you are working properly.’