Callum McGregor thinks Celtic have a 'real talent' who can make them 'better' in the returning Jota. The Bhoys are preparing for a date with Falkirk in the Premiership as their relentless schedule continues.
Martin O'Neill's men were in league action as recently as Wednesday night when they drew 2-2 at home with an in-form Dundee United side.
They get right back to it on Sunday when they face Falkirk, who are having a solid season, currently sixth after beating Aberdeen away from home during the week.
Celtic still have a four-point lead at the top due to Rangers also drawing in the week, and the aim will be to at least maintain that with a win this weekend, ahead of a must-win Europa League clash with Besiktas next week.
O'Neill could even rest a couple of players given this relentless schedule that Celtic find themselves in, This will be their seventh game in just three weeks, and some of their players are already lacking full fitness.
Jota produced his best performance since returning from his long-term injury on Wednesday night, looking sharp and dangerous out wide. But O'Neill says he is still some way away from being cleared to play a full game.
When Jota does get that clearance, Celtic have themselves a difference-maker, according to McGregor, who knows what the Portuguese star can produce.
“Obviously, he’s a top player, he has been for us over a couple of spells and great to see him back," said the veteran midfielder. "He’s a real talent and certainly someone who makes us better. We can give him the ball and he can do special things with it.
“So, hopefully we keep him fit. He’s enjoying being back and we’re enjoying having him back. He’s one of these guys that loves playing football, loves being on the ball, loves making things happen.
“So again, when you’ve got a player like him, you try to serve him the ball as much as you can. He can be the difference-maker for you in tight games.”
Jota really did look dangerous on Wednesday night, and the closest we have seen him to his usual self. He ran at his man regularly and produce some nice trickery and footwork, which suggests he is getting his confidence back after a nightmare with injury that any player is going to have some fear of going through again.
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