Jair Tavares reveals Jota's Hibs seal of approval as Celtic hero talks up Easter Road switch

Jair Tavares has spent his career following in the footsteps of Jota, writes Fraser Wilson in Portugal.

But now the Portuguese winger has made the journey from Benfica B to the Scottish Premiership just like the trailblazer, he is determined to stop him in his tracks.

Tavares can’t wait to set foot in the Scottish game after signing a four-year deal with Hibs.

The 21-year-old sought the guidance of his long-time friend before agreeing to switch from Lisbon to Leith.

It’s advice he trusts like that of his own brother after spending the best part of 16 years coming through the Benfica academy in the slipstream of the Celtic fans’ favourite who he insists is still regarded a legend back home.

He’s watched Jota flourish and become a Scottish champion in the last 12 months. And he is certain the 23-year-old is set to pen a long-term deal with the Hoops.

Then, he says, it will be about that friendship taking on, for the first time, an edge of rivalry.

Tavares is out to make a name for himself at Hibs, just like his pal at Parkhead.

And he said: “Jota was a legend of Benfica in the academy.

“He was one of the guys like me, who didn’t have the chance to play at Benfica. We had to look to the future because of this.

“He did amazing last season and I’m here to support him too.

“There are two Portuguese players in Scotland now, we’re here to represent our country.

“He was always so good. You don’t know Jota! When he was young there was a big difference between him and the others.

“Do I think he will stay at Celtic? I guess. I don’t know but I think yes.

“I asked him about Scottish football and about Hibs too. He gave me some good advice, told me some good things about Hibs.

“He said besides Rangers and Celtic he thought