There are several Celtic players with hopes and dreams of featuring for their country in the upcoming World Cup finals in Qatar. One in particular has taken another positive step in terms of squad selection, even though it might seem unlikely at first glance.
Portugal have just released the names for their 55-man provisional squad, ahead of reducing it down to the final 23 players who will be on the plane to Qatar. And for Jota, being selected for that initial list is a big step forward, underlining his brilliant form since joining Celtic.
There was more good news for him as well. The Portuguese winger was out for a while with an injury and marked his return with a goal off the bench vs Livingston.
Thus, all things considered, it has been a tremendous past few days for Jota and he seems to be taking nothing for granted.
Celtic star Jota makes big promise after injury return
Speaking about his inclusion in Portugal’s squad, Jota was clearly proud but stressed on his goal of becoming ‘a better person and a better football player’ every day. As reported by Glasgow World, the Celtic star said:
"“That’s a very good moment for me and for my family. I’m just grateful for everything that is going on. Two years ago I was not even playing for any club. I was at a club of course, but I wasn’t having many minutes. Two years later, to be on this 55-man list is something very good for me, but this is just another step.“I just need to keep working and enjoying it on the pitch, and everything will come naturally. You cannot just be obsessed with those kinds of things. I wake up every day with the mentality of being a better person and a better football player, and building a strong base to be better.”"
Celtic have a big game coming up against Real Madrid in the Champions League and Jota seems to be fired up for that as well, although it remains to be seen if he’ll start or not. He is ready to give his best if Ange Postecoglou does put him on the pitch though, as the winger said:
"“It’s not a question for me, it’s one for the gaffer. But if he’s ready to put me in, I’m ready to fight for him and the club.”"
Competition for places may of course be a factor that cuts short his national hopes for now. Portugal have many great players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes, to list just a few well known names. So realistically Jota may need to wait a little longer to reach a full final squad of 23 players.
That shouldn’t be a problem or a major disappointment. Time is very much on his side and to be selected for the provisional squad shows the great way Jota has come on since stepping forward from the Benfica shadows to join Celtic.