Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie has joined the calls for James Forrest to start in the Glasgow Derby tomorrow.
Forrest had been out of the squad since September, after picking up a serious ankle injury early in the season. He had looked to rejoin the side earlier this year, but suffered a rehab blow which delayed any return [Glasgow Live].
Forrest featured briefly against Dundee United in a 0-0 draw two weeks ago [WhoScored?]. He’s since had ample time to work with the first-team squad in training. Certainly, Celtic have missed the winger’s prolific output; the one-club man scored 10 and laid on 17 league assists in 19-20 [Transfermarkt].
McAvennie told Football FanCast that Forrest was a necessity to start against Rangers tomorrow. The Bhoys are looking for their first Glasgow Derby win this season; keeping Barisic quiet and providing width would be a big job for Forrest.
McAvennie said [Football FanCast]:
“I think if he’s fit enough, I think he’s a must. They’ve been playing Christie in there, and he keeps coming into the middle, he’s not a winger.
“I think him and Jonjoe Kenny can form a good partnership, so if he’s fit, he’s a stick on to come back into the team. [I] would get an hour off him, then you know if he’s got it. I don’t agree with giving him half-hour because the guy is a talent and will cause… problems.”
James Forrest could be key for Celtic, but Kennedy will be wary of rushing him back
In case you missed it, we’ve suggested that Forrest should start tomorrow. His natural width opens doors for Celtic, and he’ll also have defensive responsibilities from the front.
However, if he’s not 100% fit, then John Kennedy will have a tricky decision to make. We don’t know how Celtic will line up tomorrow, and in what shape. If the interim Celtic boss wants to use natural wingers, then surely Forrest will get the nod. If Kennedy continues with the narrow midfield diamond of the last two fixtures, then that leaves little opportunity for the 29-year-old.
Forrest does have some previous in Glasgow Derbies. A relentless runner, capable of taking players on, he’s able to drag defenders out of position and cross the ball in. A fantastic provider of assists, surely Edouard would benefit from having the diminutive winger around.
While we tend to exaggerate the impact of long-term injuries, there’s little doubt that we’ve missed James Forrest. Whether you believe he can go missing, or is overrated, is one thing. Objectively speaking, though, he’s been more than useful for an incredibly long time now.
READ MORE: We might’ve already seen the last of this player in a Celtic jersey.
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