When it comes to qualifying for the Champions League in recent seasons, Celtic have relied on a core of players who have the club reach the group stage on numerous occasions.
One such player is Scotland’s reigning player of the year James Forrest. He has often popped up with vital goals in the qualifiers. You wouldn’t bet against him doing the same against Nomme Kalju on Wednesday night.
In the last two seasons, Forrest’s goal and assist tallies has great improved. That includes matches played in Europe.
Scored some vital goals
He scored the only goal over the two legs played against Rosenborg in the qualifiers in 2017. He followed that up with a goal in the 5-0 win over Astana in the play-off round.
Last season was no different, he found the back of the net in both matches against Alashkert. Forrest was relatively quiet by his high standards in the recent games against Sarajevo.
Has the ability to win a game on his own
However, if he is on his game, he could all but win the tie against Nomme Kalju. He is a player that Neil Lennon will be counting on to get Celtic back into the group stages.
That might be a lot for a player to have to deal with, but Forrest can cope with that. He is used to that responsibility, and arguably his game thrives because of it.
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