Star man Jota continues to have a major say on Celtic’s early-season form after his hat-trick of assists in Dingwall. And the Celtic fans reckon the Portuguese playmaker has already rammed the words of criticism from across the city back down their throats with his impressive start to the campaign.
Robert McEwan, Mount Vernon, was the first caller to ring up the Hotline as he said: “Some people think Jota is not worth the £6million Celtic have paid for him. Well, two games in and he’s landed two man of the match awards, three assists and a wonder goal against Aberdeen. That will do for me!”
Michael Emonds, Northampton , added: “Last week George Wilson said Jota was ‘a one trick show pony’ but against Aberdeen he scored a goal of the season contender and now against Ross County he had three assists. It just shows the hatred Mr Wilson has for Celtic given that’s how he judges a young Celtic player.”
We always like to give a right of reply on the Hotline, so George Wilson, West Sussex, the floor is yours: “The Celtic supporters on here are up in arms at my comments because they can’t face the truth which is that Celtic have for a great number of years been poor and a total laughing stock in Europe. To back this up Hugh Keevins, one of the most respected journalists and radio pundits for many years said on Friday night’s live radio show, ‘Celtic have to take on board that their status in European football is now seriously diminished’. His words, not mine, and totally accurate. I was honest enough to say Rangers were appalling against Union so the Celtic supporters should accept their team has long been a joke in Europe.”
Hoops fan David Bryce, Troon, has some concerns of his own after Saturday’s 3-1 win over Ross County, saying: “Celtic did well to dig out a victory, however, I’m seriously concerned about the dearth of creativity in the middle of the park. Callum McGregor is bang average, Daizen Maeda has been woeful for ages and I think Tony Ralston is a better player than Josip Juranovic! Why we paid all that money for Alex Bernabei and don’t play him is a mystery!”
Rangers kept pace with their Old Firm rivals by beating Kilmarnock on Saturday but John Bruce wasn’t impressed by Derek McInnes’ tactics. He said: “There were no surprises from Kilmarnock at Ibrox on Saturday, in a game Rangers dominated. Derek McInnes is an ideal fit as Killie's new manager, as he has just adapted his tactics from Aberdeen to Killie's style of play.
“They set out to be physical, stop Rangers from playing and at no point did Killie attempt to win the game - much like Livi last week. Watching professional players continually resorting to kicking the ball in to the stands on Saturday embarrassed not only themselves, but our league. Rangers' new signings must have thought they'd stepped in to a time machine last weekend.”
Chris Lowe, Yoker, added: “The gruesome twosome of Kevin Clancy and Don Robertson didn’t disappoint at the weekend. Moritz Jenz, already on a booking, jumps into the crowd after scoring and Robertson - always card happy when officiating Rangers - doesn’t give him a booking.
“Then Clancy, who gave a penalty against Morelos at Aberdeen last season for a ridiculous handball, ignores more blatant incidents at the weekend as they would have favoured Rangers. These two refs were instrumental in Celtic winning the league last season, to uphold the integrity of the game they need removed as they’re incapable of being impartial.”
