Celtic’s pre-season ended on a positive note following a shootout win over Al-Ahli in the Como Cup in Italy.
This was a third-place playoff match between the champions of Scotland and the Saudi Pro League side, with the game finishing 1-1 in normal time, and then Celtic securing the win 5-4 on penalties.
It’s fair to say that Brendan Rodgers had a smile on his face post-match, as Celtic put in a much better showing compared to their heavy defeat against Ajax.
Given the quick turnaround from Ajax on Thursday night, Rodgers made 11 changes, including bringing back James Forrest to his starting XI.
James Forrest a ‘major threat’ for Celtic against Al-Ahli
Age is just a number for Forrest, because he is still looking good and showcasing to the world that he isn’t done yet.
On CBS Sports (26/07/25), Forrest was dubbed a ‘major threat’ and someone who was causing Al-Ahli a ‘problem.’
With American network CBS broadcasting Celtic’s pre-season game, Forrest was rightfully given his flowers for the player who ‘stood out.’
“This was a completely changed Celtic side, 11 changes by Brendan Rodgers after the capitulation in the second half against Ajax here on Thursday,” stated the CBS commentator.
“James Forrest, the player, who perhaps stood out in terms of the major threat he produced. The problems he gave Al-Ahli.”
Who starts out wide for Celtic against St Mirren?
All focus and attention will now turn to Celtic’s opening game of the new Premiership season against St Mirren on August 3.
It only felt like yesterday that Forrest was netting his record-breaking goal against St Mirren, but should he now start?
You presume that Daizen Maeda will start on the left, with one of Johnny Kenny or Adam Idah down the middle, and perhaps Forrest on the right, now that Nicolas Kuhn is out of the door.
Rodgers’ options to play out wide:
- James Forrest
- Benjamim Nygren
- Hyunjun Yang
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
