Ange Postecoglou has backed Celtic winger Jota for a call-up to the Portuguese national team.

The 24-year-old has never been capped for his country at senior level but was included in the provisional squad for the recent World Cup in Qatar.

Jota has 13 goals and 11 assists in 33 appearances so far this season for the Scottish champions.

When asked whether Jota could break into the squad in the future, he replied: "Why not? I mean far be it for me to tell any player what their limit may or may not be but why not

"He's had one thing about him since he's got here - he's always delivered in the big games.

"He scored in Europe last year, he scored in Europe this year, so it's not like his talent diminishes at the higher level.

"I think he's proven that. And like I said. For us his willingness to continue to improve and work hard is great because we're getting the benefits of it.

"I think with all the players, I’m not going to tell them how far they can reach and where their potential may lie or take them.

"He's from a country with some outstanding talent and outrageous talent but the fact that he's on their radar shows that he's definitely developing and in the discussions for them."

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Postecoglou also provided an injury update on midfielder Reo Hatate.

The 25-year-old has not featured for the Hoops since before the international break after going off injured during the 3-1 win over Hibernian.

Hatate has eight goals and nine assists in 38 games for the Scottish champions so far this season.

And Postecoglou has given some insight into when the playmaker might be back in action. 

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "No real change from last week. All the boys who missed out last week will miss again.

"All of them are sort of working their way back to being involved in the next week or so.

"At the moment, it is pretty much the status quo."

Celtic Way:

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