Celtic winger James Forrest has admitted it was “frustrating” not to start as many games as he would have liked last season but is now relishing the opportunity to work with Brendan Rodgers again.
Forrest made 23 appearances for the Bhoys last term but only five of them were starts. He insists he still felt involved but, like every player, would have liked to have started more.
Recognising the strength of the squad, the long-serving player understands the reason why he didn’t feature as much. But now he’s aiming for another resurgence under a manager who makes him “feel good” as a player.
Forrest said [Scottish Sun]: “Every manager is different. The last gaffer was different in his way, but then you knew where you stood. ou knew what was going on and just had to work hard in training. He wasn’t really the type of manager you could go and chap his door. You just had to keep working hard in training and that was fine.
“But I felt involved last season. I maybe didn’t start as many games as I would have wanted to, but we have so many good players and the team was flying. I felt I did contribute at times when I was picked. And I definitely felt like I learned under him.
“I enjoyed the last two years and took so many positives from that time. If you ask any player, they will always say they would liked to have played more. I was fit for the first half of the season right up until February time and felt involved. I just didn’t start as much as I’d have liked, and that as was a bit frustrating. But the team was winning and flying and I had to wait for a chance.
“Everyone did really well under the last manager, obviously. But there are a few of them who can kick on again now, and that’s great for the club. I’ve had a few managers down the years, but this gaffer is just brilliant at the man-management side of the game. Tactically, he’s fantastic as well. He’s just a top manager all round, and he makes you feel good about yourself. He knows everyone’s qualities and makes the boys really believe in themselves.”
While Jota has left in a big money deal to Saudi Arabia, Celtic have already signed Hyunjun Yang and Marco Tilio this season, so Forrest will have his work cut out to get the minutes he craves.
Still, we know Forrest is admired by Rodgers and we know that the new boss got some of the best form of the Scotland international’s entire career when he was here last time.
There’s no way anyone should be writing him off from being a very important squad player this term.
In other news, Kwon already showing great Celtic confidence as first interview hits the spot.
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