Celtic winger James Forrest has been a bit-part player this season, starting just two competitive games in all competitions.
When he has taken to the field, though, he has proved his reliability, scoring four goals and assisting another.
Manager Brendan Rodgers thought he changed the game in last weekend’s Scottish Cup semi-final and with Daizen Maeda still on the treatment table for tomorrow’s trip to Dundee, Forrest could yet contribute again.
Chris Sutton, however, has been left perplexed by the boss’ treatment of the 32-year-old. Indeed, Rodgers has labelled Forrest his best winger yet his game time has not backed such a statement up.
He said: [RecordSport] “James Forrest made a huge impression from the bench at Hampden last week and you would think he has a major part to play in the coming weeks.
“It’s hard to tell though. Rodgers has called Forrest his best wide man this season – but then not played him for weeks.
“I know he’s getting on a bit but he’s 32-year-old – not 52. Forrest is under appreciated somewhat by Celtic fans but if he gets his chance in the run in, he’s already proved he is a big-game player.”
Over the years, the Scotland international has proved he can be called upon. He has scored crucial goals for his side whether it be in Europe, cup finals, derbies, or the league.
Forrest has been around the block countless times but as he is getting on and particularly because he is a winger who relied on pace, he has had to adapt his game.
In addition, he doesn’t perhaps have the legs to last a full 90 minutes, or even to start a match for that matter.
Despite this, he remains a trustworthy option who can come into a game at certain junctures and impact it massively, as was the case last Saturday at Hampden.
Personally believe Rodgers praise for forrest is way over the top upon his current playing abilities imo?
Fantastic servant for the club and sure forrest has a role to play for ourselves in the remainder of the season also, as currently showing as a very decent option from the bench?
Forrest is only going to be a bit part player for ourselves in what ever time he has with the club, but great credit to himself that he still remains a top professional how he has conducted himself throughout his whole Celtic career.
Also a very intelligent player by the way he can still find and use the space in the latter stages of games, so would make me wonder if forrest has the actual credentials of becoming a great manager in time imo?
The question still remains as if all 5 of our wide men were all fully fit, would forrest get any game time whatsoever?
Hasn’t been any signs from Rodgers to suggest so, which makes his remarks regarding forrest very hypocritical imo?