By Charlotte Cohen

30th Oct, 2022 | 7:37am

Celtic idol shocked by Jota latest - 'it beggars belief'

Frank McAvennie has suggested it would be bad news for Celtic if Jota goes to the World Cup with Portugal.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Hoops striker said the Celts won’t “get the benefit” of the 23-year-old going to the World Cup this year.

The winger hasn’t featured for Ange Postecoglou’s side since the beginning of the month after hobbling off at half time in the 2-1 win over St Johnstone.

But in a positive turn for the Hoops, Jota returned to full training this week.

As reported by FootballScotland (24 October), the playmaker has been included in Portugal’s provisional 55-man squad for the World Cup in Qatar.

The final announcement of the 26-man squad will be made at the beginning of November after a friendly against Nigeria.

McAvennie insisted a World Cup call up is not right for Jota this year.

“I know everyone wants to play in the World Cup,” he told Football Insider.

“I was fortunate enough to do. But if his injury is not right there is no point in going to Qatar, not getting a game and they are trying to train you to get fit for a game and you break down. Then Celtic do not get the benefit out of it.

“He is only a young boy there is plenty of time for him. You can’t expect him to play at the World Cup if he has not played. It beggars belief that they want to take him. He is a wonderful talent but he is not fit.“

In other news, a pundit has suggested when Ange Postecoglou could agree ‘huge’ deal as Celtic exit quotes emerge.