Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou has praised Hoops winger James Forrest for his impact on the side, insisting that the 30-year old will go down as one of the club ‘greats.’
The academy graduate has spent his entire career wearing the Green and White Hoops after making his debut and scoring all the way back in 2010.
It hasn’t been an easy ride for Forrest, though, who has had his fair share of ups and downs as a Celtic player, with some sections of the support very much being split on the winger.
Over the past 12-18 months, Forrest has struggled with injury issues but in recent weeks has enjoyed more game time under Ange Postecoglou, even netting in the 3-1 victory against Livingston earlier this month.
Speaking in an interview with the Celtic View, Ange was full of praise for the winger and his impact on the club, hailing his mentality and efforts on the training ground each day.
The Celtic manager also insisted that Forrest will go down as one of the club greats when his career comes to an end.
“I’m here every day, and I’m working with these guys every day, and I’m making decisions with a lot of more information gathered than people on the outside,” he said, as quoted by the Scottish Daily Express.
“With someone like James, when I see him in training and how he’s training every day, he’s making an impact. Our training is very competitive, and he’s right up there.
“So I know he’s ready to put in a big performance. Other people don’t have that insight.
“For me, it may sound like I’ve produced something miraculous, but not really because I’ve got a lot of information that I’m making these decisions on, but other people don’t.
“James is a very first-team orientated guy, but he makes an impact in big moments. He wants that responsibility.
“He’s not fazed by what comes at him on or off the field.
“He’s definitely going to go down as one of the greats and one of the ones who, at the end of his career, we will probably appreciate him more than while he was playing.”
This campaign will have been a disappointing one so far for Forrest, who probably hasn’t had the game time he would have been hoping for, off the back of last season due to more injury issues.
However, during his last few appearances, the wideman has definitely looked much more effective, and with his strike against Livi, back to the Forrest of old.
With his experience, Forrest could still have a huge impact in the final run-in during this season’s title race.
After all, he is potentially one of the only players in this squad who have experienced such a close race between Celtic and Rangers in the Scottish Premiership.
