Brendan Rodgers believes James Forrest still has a role to play at Celtic despite his limited minutes under Ange Postecoglou last season.
Forrest made just five starts for the Bhoys across 2022/23, with a further 18 appearances off the bench. To his credit, he still managed to score five goals.
Fitness and injury issues did set him back over the campaign but Rodgers reckons if he can put that behind him, the Scotland international still has something to offer this squad.
The new manager said [Sunday Post, 25/06 print edition]: “Does James still have a role to play? Yes. For him, it’s all about staying fit.
“It’s been a challenge for him, but I’ve seen snippets of him where, when he is fit and ready, he is a fantastic player for Celtic.”
Forrest has been at the club for so long that he is now set to receive a testimonial match later in the summer. Celtic will play Athletic Bilbao on August 1st at Celtic Park, with proceeds of the event going to charity.
The winger arguably played the best football of his career under Rodgers. Initially revived in the 2016/17 season when he looked certain to be headed for an exit, the winger went on to play an instrumental role in the 2017/18 treble success, scoring 17 goals in all competitions.
That kickstarted a three-season stretch of scoring at last 16 goals in each campaign. Finding that kind of form and consistency again will be very difficult, but if anyone can inspire it in Forrest, it’s Rodgers.
Now 31, Forrest is definitely in a new stage of his career. But he is contracted to the Bhoys until 2025, so the manager needs to find a way to make use of him.
In other news, Celtic are flexing their City Group connections again.
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