THE BEST IS YET TO COME

Bernardo backs pal Jota to scale new heights at Hoops

- Michael Gannon

THERE'S no place like home for Jota and it's like the Celtic attacker has never been away.

But Paulo Bernardo is convinced the best is yet to come from his Portuguese counterpart at Parkhead.

Jota has hit the ground running since his £6.5millon return to the club following an 18-month stint in Saudi Arabia and France.

The 25-year-old scored against Hearts on Saturday to make it four goals in eight games in his second spell, with a couple of assists chucked in as well.

Boss Brendan Rodgers warned it could take months for the winger to get back up to speed given his lack of game time during his period away.

But it's been business as usual instead with Jota finding his feet quickly, clocking up the minutes and allowing Daizen Maeda to excel in a role through the middle.

Midfielder Bernardo has not been surprised his former Benfica buddy is back with a bang and he's certain Celtic fans are going to see Jota get even better as he prepares to spend his peak years in Glasgow.

He said: "Jota has already shown a lot of quality during these games. I spoke to him and he feels much better now than he was when he arrived.

"He's really important to the squad. At his age, I think there is more to come from him and he came here to show that too.

"He wants to show his quality and he is doing really well at the moment.

"He's working hard at Lennoxtown every day. I think the best will come from him."