McCowan reveals Celtic squad's classy reaction to painful Jota news

The National

2 days ago

The Portuguese winger was forced to be withdrawn in Celtic's 5-0 win over Dundee United at Tannadice last month, which secured the Scottish Premiership title.
Jota, who only returned to the club in the January transfer window, was, as a result, ruled out for a period of between six and nine months.
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McCowan revealed the Celtic squad's classy reaction: "When Jota was told about the nature of the injury, it was just about giving him a big hug," he said.
'Regardless of how long it is, if it's long, if it's shorter than what it is, you just know he's a very important player for us.
"We'll keep ensuring his mental state is always in the right place.
"He's a good and big character for us as well. He's a very lively, influential person.
"Even in the game when he got his injury, the first question he asked when the boys came in at half-time was, 'It's definitely my goal, isn't it?'.
"So I don't think he was that worried about his knee at that point. But he's been a top player for this club and I'm sure he will be in future."
Although they are good friends now, McCowan didn't believe Jota was too keen on him initially: "I think he thought I was a wee bit of a fanboy when I first came in because I was kidding on to him that I was going to get a few 'Jota 7' tops off him," revealed the midfielder.
'I don't think he quite got the Scottish banter. But yeah, he's been perfect with me.
"I became good friends with Paulo Bernardo right from when I first came in. So as soon as Jota came back in, and Paulo was close with Jota, we all became friends right away.
"That's what this club creates, friendships through different countries and different cultures. It's a special place."