Jota insists Celtic hero status is mark of success as he relays Viaplay Cup Final injury frustrations

Jota believes being brought up under the glare of football mad Benfica fans was the perfect grounding for being hero worshipped in Glasgow.

The Celtic winger admits being the centre of attention by star spotting Hoops supporters hasn't been a shock to his system after his experience of the benfiquistas. With next Sunday's Old Firm League Cup Final clash looming, the 23-year-old is desperate to bury the frustration of missing last season's final against Hibs and he revealed being stopped in the street for an autograph will always be a privilege and a sign his side are performing.

He said: "Me coming to Celtic from Benfica, the fan base was as big as Celtic's. I came from a big club and even from a young age you start to get recognised and these type of things. So I believe that was actually a good thing when I came to Scotland as I was already used to that attention from the fans and the approach they have on us. It's just another reason for us to be proud, it's also a sign that we are doing good things on the pitch. I'm just proud that they reach out to me and try to speak to me."

There were wins for Celtic over Raith Rovers and St Johnstone which Jota played a part in on-route to last season's League Cup Final and the Portuguese star revealed his regret at missing out through injury.

He said: "Last season I was not part of the cup final because I was injured. I had to watch the game from a distance but I was proud of all of the boys and what they achieved. I just tried to do my best to provide some support from the sidelines and the energy was good.

"In the end we managed to get the win and lift the trophy which is always the most important thing. As a football player you always want to be involved in the biggest