Ange Postecoglou is delighted that Jota has been named in the Portuguese international squad for next month’s friendly with Nigeria.
Ahead of the World Cup Finals manager Fernando Santos has named a massive 55 man squad for a friendly against Nigeria on November 17.
Jota is highly unlikely to make the cut down to the 26 players named for the World Cup Finals but after a glittering career for Portugal at youth levels, including 18 caps at u-21 level and 21 for the u-19side, the Celtic winger has been recognised at the age of 23.
? LISTEN: “He probably came to us 18 months ago just looking to kickstart his career… now he’s within national team recognition”.
Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou says he is “super pleased” Jota has been named in Portugal’s preliminary 55-man squad for the World Cup. pic.twitter.com/PDImhTl8SS
— Clyde 1 Superscoreboard (@ClydeSSB) October 24, 2022
Super pleased. It’s a hell of a recognition for him. We know how strong a nation Portugal is, particularly in those attacking positions.
We know his form has been outstanding for us, both domestically and in Europe, over the last sort of 16-17 months he’s been with us. I’m sure it is encouraging for him, he probably came to us just looking to kick start his career, now in a short space of time he is within national team recognition.
It is great for him and I’m sure it is a great motivation for him and great for our football club.
Jota will miss tonight’s match against Shakhtar Donetsk through injury but should be in the squad for the visit to Livingston’s plastic pitch on Sunday.
After that Celtic have four matches before the winter break with the match against Real Madrid on November 2 the opportunity for Jota to send out a last gasp World Cup application.
Portugal have been drawn alongside Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea at the Finals with their opener on November 24 against the African nation.
CLICK HERE for Jota’s international record.
