Jota gushes with Celtic derby joy as firing winger declares it's an 'unbelievable time to be alive'

He left the Rangers defence for dead when he scored Celtic’s second goal on Saturday. And Portuguese winger Jota says starring in gaffer Ange Postecoglou’s side makes him happy to be alive.

The 23-year-old was unplayable again for the Hoops yesterday as they hammered their city rivals 4-0 in the first Old Firm derby of the season. Jota’s strike – a delicious chip over Rangers keeper Jon McLaughlin – and Liel Abada’s double put Celtic in command at half-time.

Then David Turnbull’s goal after the break secured three points that took Postecoglou ’s side five points clear in the Premiership table. Jota was part of an attacking machine that Rangers couldn’t live with for 90 minutes and the £6million former Benfica ace says it’s a pleasure to play for his manager.

He said: “We know these games are really special and we came with the mentality of doing well, sticking to our principles and just delivering. I think we did it.

“It’s always a big result because it’s a win. But if it was 1-0 it could still be a good result. It always depends on the way we play and I think the way we played out there was very good.

“So we need to keep at it now. I’ve said this quite a few times. I’m so grateful to be in a team that plays this kind of football. I’ve played like this all my youth and this is just the way I want to play football, with these principles.

“Attacking football, high tempo, high pressing, one v ones, crosses, assists, goals. That’s what we aim for.

“It’s just an unbelievable time to be alive right now. It depends what people think is dream football. For some people the dream is to win, even if you play badly. But if you can play well and win games? That is what we want.

“We are in a good moment right now. But there are