James Forrest is undoubtedly a legend at Celtic. In a career that has spanned over two decades, Forrest has picked up 22 winners medals at the club.
This week, Celtic and the supporters celebrated the winger in his testimonial against Athletic Club but it seems we are set to see more of him under Brendan Rodgers this season. That’s according to Pat Bonner.
The former Celtic hero was speaking about Forrest during commentary in Celtic’s 4-2 win over Ross County and he outlines his reasons for believing that we could be about to see more of him under the new Celtic manager.
Bonner said [BBC Sportsound open all mics], “He deserves everything he gets [referring to his testimonial], absolutely. For a young man who joined the club when he was about eight or nine years old and has been here ever since. Total commitment to the club.
“I think under Brendan Rodgers you may see him feature a little bit more because he can play that [wide] position slightly differently, coming in off the line, without the ball, filling the pockets and scoring goals also from that position and vital goals in Europe.
“And at 32 years old now, it’s important to have those types of players in himself and Callum (McGregor) around the dressing room with all these players coming and going to just bed in what the traditions of the club is.”
James Forrest is not finished at Celtic yet
Despite being used on only five occasions by Ange Postecoglou last season, James Forrest’s Celtic career is far from over.
The winger came on for eleven minutes yesterday against Ross County and if it weren’t for a brilliant save by The Staggies ‘keeper, he could have been on the scoresheet.
Obviously, Forrest will not be a regular starter under Rodgers. He will most likely be used as he was yesterday in the latter stages of games.
But it will be his work off the park that will be just as crucial as his work on it. As Bonner alluded to, there are plenty of new faces in at Celtic and we need seasoned pros like Forrest to ensure that they know what this club is all about.
I, for one, am happy that Forrest remains at Celtic. His role this season will be probably crucial both on and off the park and that is something that you cannot underestimate in this day and age.
In other news, The three players that could benefit from Carl Starfelt’s Celtic exit
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
