Summer Celtic signing Fraser Forster has noticed a big change in the ability of James Forrest compared to the goalkeeper’s first spell a the club, The Scottish Sun report.
Forrest has emerged over the last 18 months as one of, if not the most, important Celtic player on a consistent basis.
Adding goals and more assists to his all-round game, he’s now a leader in the dressing room and a beacon of hope for every homegrown player coming through the academy.
Forster of course worked with the winger when he was at Celtic Park between 2010 and 2014. He’s well placed then to comment on the player’s development from then to now.
He reckons that the Scotland international has taken his game to a whole new level.
As quoted by The Scottish Sun, he said: “He’s been fantastic. The first time he was younger, but he was still putting in great performances then.
“Jamesy’s just taken it to a different level. He’s consistently producing world-class performances.
“It’s fantastic to see because he’s a lovely lad. It’s just great to see him doing well.”
What has changed about Forrest’s game?
The homegrown talent has always shown he can provide a significant attacking threat from the right flank. However, it’s also fair to say he’s had his down spells in a Celtic shirt.
In fact, for the first eight years of his Hoops career he failed to hit double figures for goals in a single season. He never managed to find the consistency to become a real fan favourite.
That all changed in 2017/18 though, with the Scotland international finally showing the confidence, ruthlessness and decision making needed to be a stand-out.
He netted 17 goals in that season, following that up with the same tally last term. With five goals to his name already this season, he’s well on his way for matching that or bettering it for the third successive year.
Having also upped his numbers in terms of assists, at peak form he looks unstoppable.
Whether it’s maturity, good coaching or just being surrounded by better teammates, Forrest is making himself a modern Hoops icon on a week-to-week basis. Long may it continue.
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