James Forrest has seen many top-quality and bottom-of-the-barrel Celtic strikers pass by over the years.
But the new kid on the Celtic block, Camilo Duran, is certainly making an impression on his new teammates after his strong start to life in Glasgow.
Duran has started pre-season with a bang, scoring against Sporting last time out and now finding the back of the net against Middlesbrough in a pre-season friendly at Parkhead.
Speaking in his post-match Celtic press conference, Forrest spoke in glowing terms about Duran and how he hasn’t just looked good on the pitch, but also in training.
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James Forrest highlights Camilo Duran’s strengths after Celtic’s draw against Middlesbrough
Forrest: “I thought he was really good against Boro. He has looked sharp in training. Obviously, he got his goal. Pressing. I think it was a really good finish. The hold-up was really good as well also.
“It’s exciting that he has come in and he has adapted. Hopefully, he can only get better.”
Reporter: “Has he been as good as that in training? Are you impressed behind-the-scenes too?”
Forrest: “Aye, you can tell right away. He looks sharp and nippy. His finishing has been good. You saw his finish against Boro, it was really good and his movement. I think his hold-up play was really good, too. I think he will be a good addition to the squad.”
This is exactly what Celtic fans want to hear…
Sometimes, it’s not the fans you need to impress, but those who can see your work day in and day out.
Martin O’Neill has already lauded Duran, and now it’s Forrest’s turn to join that train.
Given Celtic’s troubles with goalscorers of late and having to rely on Daizen Maeda, who is expected to leave this summer, it’s great to hear that there is life elsewhere.
But should the Celtic Park faithful really be surprised? Not at all.
This is a guy who scored five goals in the Champions League last season, and hopefully, he is the guy to get the Hoops back alongside Europe’s elite next term.
Celtic’s defeat to Kairat Almaty last season was painful.
But if Duran can score the goals in the qualifiers to get the champions of Scotland over the line, he will be a hero pretty much straight away.
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