Celtic manager gives promising update on James Forrest

By Euan Davidson

October 30, 2021

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has said that James Forrest could be available for today’s game against Livingston.

Forrest shone at the start of the season, after a nightmare 20-21 campaign ruined by injuries. Unfortunately, though, the winger has been beset with new injury concerns, missing in action since the 6-0 rout of Dundee in early August.

He’s been a big miss since then, but Liel Abada, Jota and recently Mikey Johnston have been excellent on the flanks. Forrest, though, is closing in on 100 goals and 100 assists for his career. The 30-year-old, when fit, is a crucial player for Celtic.

Ange Postecoglou is determined to box clever over Forrest, who has only played 7 matches so far this season [Transfermarkt].

The Celtic manager said [Scotsman]:

“James has trained well this week and is available for Livingston, but I need to decide whether to include him or not. If it’s not tomorrow, then he will definitely be involved on Thursday [against Ferencvaros].

“It’s good to have him back.”

With Liel Abada being allowed to rest over the last couple of games, it seems more likely that the Israeli international will be in the team ahead of Forrest.

If the 30-year-old, Celtic’s most decorated current player, can make the bench though? And maybe even get 5, 10 minutes of playing time under his belt? It’d be a huge boost.

James Forrest offers huge boost to this Celtic side

It’s hard to believe James Forrest is 30. The winger has won 9 Premiership titles, 6 Scottish Cups and 5 League Cups in a sensational playing career, all spent with Celtic.

He faces a challenge to get back into the side, but from early on, you could tell Ange Postecoglou was keen on the diminutive winger. His adaptability, eagerness to play on either flank and clinical end-product are a boost to any manager.

He’s also someone excellent to learn from. For Abada, and the still youthful Mikey Johnston, Forrest is an example of an out-and-out winner. When all’s said and done in his career, he’ll end up as one of our most decorated players in the club’s history.

For now, though, there’s plenty left in the tank. If the Celtic manager can play him sparingly, and get some match fitness in his legs, there’ll be a real asset for him if Forrest is able to stay fit over a gruelling winter period.

For moments of magic, pace and the ability to finish from a variety of angles, Forrest really is hard to beat. There’s a reason Celtic managers keep playing him.

Hopefully, we can see the Scotland international on the pitch today. If not, he’ll be an option for the Bhoys’ trip to Hungary, which is no bad thing either.

Read more: Ange Postecoglou aims for new Celtic playmaker in January transfer window