James Forrest’s trophy-laden story at Celtic continues for another 12 months.
Before the madness of the post-split fixtures can kick in, Celtic announced on Thursday that Forrest has extended his stay by 12 months, and Callum McGregor feels it’s fully deserved.
Even at the age of 34, McGregor rightfully highlighted the ‘massive difference’ Celtic’s most decorated player of all time can make to a game.
Last Sunday, Celtic beat St Mirren in the Scottish Cup semi-final, with Forrest’s impact from the bench proving to be significant, and now he has been rewarded with a new deal.
“Brilliant,” said McGregor about Forrest’s new contract. “First of all, massively deserved. He is someone who has been at the club for a long, long time now.
“Again, at the weekend there, comes on, makes a massive difference, gets the team over the line. Somebody like that is invaluable to your building and football club.”
Give us your immediate reaction to James Forrest signing a new contract
Callum McGregor delighted with James Forrest signing a new Celtic contract
This Saturday evening, before Hearts and Rangers can lay down their title credentials, Celtic will host Falkirk for the opening post-split fixtures.
Given the troubles Martin O’Neill has had to deal with in attack over his two spells in charge, and the impact Forrest made at Hampden.
You could make the argument that Forrest should be starting for Celtic, because he is no-nonsense out on the flanks and he attacks the penalty box.
Perhaps if O’Neill is considering how to set up his team, then McGregor’s words to Celtic TV about his teammate’s importance should help his thinking.
“Brilliant,” said McGregor about Forrest’s new contract. “First of all, massively deserved. He is someone who has been at the club for a long, long time now.
“He knows the fabric of the place. He knows how it operates. Knows what it takes to be a successful Celtic player. Won countless trophies. He is obviously sitting first now, in terms of successful silverware. Someone with huge experience and who is always there when you need him.
“Again, at the weekend there, comes on, makes a massive difference, gets the team over the line. Somebody like that is invaluable to your building and football club.
Not just a sentimental thing, Forrest is still impacting when he needs to: “Oh, yeah,” added McGregor. Absolutely. I don’t think there is much room in football now for sentiment, anyway.
“The minute you aren’t needed, then you are out the door. It just goes to show you how important he is, and how important he still is.”
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