James Forrest has opened up on the conversation he had with Martin O’Neill before Celtic’s win against Falkirk in which he was compared to Didier Agathe.
The O’Neill era got off to the perfect start as Celtic beat Falkirk 4-0 in the Scottish Premiership to get some much-needed momentum before facing Rangers this weekend.
Forrest revealed the ‘powerful’ message O’Neill gave his players that helped inspire the midweek victory, but the interim boss had a special personal message for the winger.
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James Forrest compared to Didier Agathe by Martin O’Neill
In his first spell as Celtic boss, O’Neill regularly used Agathe and the winger was a key component in the side that reached the UEFA Cup final in 2003.
Agathe was blessed with pace and was a nightmare for defenders, something his manager utilised to great effect.
While Forrest, 34, may have lost a yard of that over the years, the right winger revealed that he had been told to play like his predecessor.
“I haven’t got the legs for that!,” he told The National.
“He keeps comparing my age with his age, but I don’t know if I have got that in me anymore. But, even for me as an older player, you can take great confidence from hearing him tell you he has watched you over the years. It makes you feel good. You do need that kind of feedback sometimes as a footballer.”
James Forrest will miss Brendan Rodgers
All good things come to an end and Brendan Rodgers’ departure marks the end of a second spell in charge.
There was a mixed response from the fanbase to his departure, but the one-club man admitted he will miss the 52-year-old after playing some of his best football under Rodgers.
“I’ve had Rodgers for two different spells now, and some of my best football has been under him,” Forrest added.
“What he’s done for me has been great over the years.”
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