Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers was full of praise post-match for veteran winger James Forrest, who netted a brace this afternoon against Dundee in a 2-1 win at Dens Park.
Rodgers has previously spoken highly of Forrest, labelling him the best winger at the club, but he took his praise to a whole new level this afternoon.
He said: [Sky Sports], “I said to the players afterwards, he’s (James Forrest) one of the fathers of the great success this club has had over the last decade. Everything he’s given on and off the pitch, He’s a real symbol of that success.
“He’s very humble, very understated but what he has is immense quality. You saw that with both of his finishes. The first one was absolutely brilliant and the second one he makes it look easier than what it was on the volley.
“But every time he has the ball, he can keep it, he can beat a man, feint, he can come inside and he can pick a pass. Absolutely fantastic he was so I’m really pleased for him.”
For Forrest to still be contributing at this level at 32 years old is nothing short of remarkable and a testament to his hard work off the pitch and his mental strength to battle through injury setbacks and show that he has dedicated everything to the club.
Forrest will be remembered as having had an incredible time at the club, and with being linked with a move away from the club in January, that now looks to be a distant memory as he clearly has much more to contribute in the coming weeks in the league title race.
The Scottish winger may even have an outside chance of making Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad for Euro 2024 in the summer if he continues to contribute goals week in, week out.
With his flexibility on either wing and ability to play wing-back in a back five, he could be a valuable asset.
