All the headlines for Celtic’s win over Aberdeen have gone to Joe Hart and his penalty escapades.
Missing one spot kick and saving another, the Celtic ‘keeper really put the fans through the emotional wringer at Hampden in a day of drama that is unlikely to be forgotten in a long time by the Hoops support.
The 25th of May is a date that holds special significance for the Celtic support and this season, it could be again as Brendan Rodgers bids to win a league and cup double.
Whilst Joe Hart is being rightly lauded, Celtic defender, Alistair Johnston, reserved special praise for one teammate who played his part in the Hampden win.
Johnston praises ‘sharp’ James Forrest
The Canadian was integral to Celtic’s win on Saturday and even tucked his penalty away with expertise. But Johnston overlooked his part in the drama and praised James Forrest whose appearance changed the game in Celtic’s favour.
Johnston said [The Scottish Sun], “It’s his directness. He’s such a sharp and clever player. When he cuts inside he knows what to do. He drives inside with purpose.
“He’s a smart player who feels the game so well.
“He’s such a clean player as well with his first touch.”
Forrest is a player who has been synonymous with Celtic’s success over the past decade or so. A key member of Brendan Rodgers’ team in his first tenure, the legendary winger helped bring home a Quadruple Treble, a second nine-in-a-row and an incredible Invincibles season.
Even recently, Forrest has played a key role for Ange Postecoglou with crucial goals in Europa League qualifying stages, the semi-final winner against St Johnstone in the Scottish Cup in 2022 and a crucial goal in the 4-3 Tyncastle win over Hearts last season.
And let’s not forget his hattrick against Hibs the previous week in a 6-1 win over the other capital club.
Forrest is a superb impact player to have in the ranks and he proved he will still have a crucial part to play in this season’s Celtic story.
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