Pat Bonner believes Celtic winger James Forrest is “back to his best”

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Former Celtic great Pat Bonner has hailed James Forrest’s achievements at Celtic whilst stating his belief that he’s “back to his best”.

Forrest starred in this afternoon’s 3-0 home win against Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership. The Scotland international rattled home a fine opening goal before the break, before continuing to terrorise the Steelmen in the second 45.

On another day, Forrest could’ve easily had a hat-trick. With his performance level increasing after being switched to the left side, Celtic fans will be hoping this is a sign of things to come from what had been up to now a struggling talent.

And speaking towards the end of today’s encounter, Bonner made the following comment on BBC Sportsound (30/08, 16:44):

“A few years ago, you wouldn’t have predicted what James Forrest has gone on to do for Celtic. He’s been back to his best today.”

Switching Forrest from either flank may prove crucial

Forrest may have nabbed his goal in the first half this afternoon, but it was in the second 45 when he really started to come alive.

He gave both Liam Grimshaw and Stephen O’Donnell a rough time of it, particularly the latter when he switched sides.

Forrest always seems to be more dangerous when he cuts onto his right foot. Whilst he also causes real danger standing up crosses to the back post, it’s clear he’s hungry for more goals as was shown in the second 45.

With Mohamed Elyounoussi struggling to get a consistent run of form going, Forrest can be an option there more regularly when games open up and become more end-to-end.

Granted, much of the reason Forrest started to get more opportunities was because the visitors went for it this afternoon as the game wore on. Stephen Robinson ended up throwing on three forward players in the final half-hour. It’s no coincidence that that’s when Forrest started to thrive.

Saying he’s back to his best may be a bit of an overstatement. He was ineffective on Wednesday night against Ferencvaros, and still took some time to get into the game this afternoon.

However, it was a promising outing this afternoon from Jimmy. Hopefully, it’s only the start of a fine run of form.

In other news, we take a look at the individual player ratings from this afternoon’s match, with the strikers giving the manager something to think about.