Celtic winger James Forrest has been grabbing a lot of headlines since his hat-trick for the club at the weekend which saw him become the thirtieth man in the clubs history reach 100 goals.
Over the past 14 seasons, the Celtic academy graduate has scored in each season for the club and is currently the fourth most decorated Celt of all time.
Former SFA Performance Director Mark Wotte has also been adding to the praise with Forrest catching his eye almost instantly after he took on the job.
The 61-year old once described Forrest as Scottish football’s “light in the darkness” and with everything that’s came over the years, his tip was near perfect.
Wotte who is currently technical director for the Syria Football Federation spoke of his delight in seeing Forrest reach such a milestone and for everything that’s proceeded him.
“Was it 2011 I said what I did about James?,” said Mark Wotte speaking to the Scottish Sun.
“It’s incredible what’s happened for him with Celtic and Scotland since — and he deserves so much credit.
“Of course, I’m not surprised because I genuinely felt sure he had the right attitude and the ability to do very well in the game.
“There are other aspects you can’t be sure of with any young talent, other things need to fall into place.
“Like a manager believing in him, continuing to select him, not just always buying players ahead of him. James, thankfully, has convinced every Celtic coach over the last ten years of his worth.”
That has been one of the standout qualities of the Celtic winger as he has managed to be selected at various points by four managers during a successful period for the club in many aspects.
Neil Lennon took a risk giving the youngster his debut at 18 which has ultimately been proved right over the course of time.
“He stood out. It wasn’t rocket science to see the talent of James Forrest.
“He was quick, he was agile, had a very good one-v-one, could finish, and had what I would term very good posture for a winger.
“I was convinced James potentially had a great career ahead of him. I remember Scotland Under-21s, with Billy Stark in charge, beat Holland’s U-21s 2-1, and it was after that I made my remark.
“Forrest was a typical winger. Scotland used to have lots of them in the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. Brave wingers who could dribble and cross.
“People always like to see those players.
“When I first saw James, I felt he could have been Dutch. So naturally gifted.
“The fact all of it has come true for him is wonderful. I’m so pleased for him.
“I liked his personality very much too. You could tell he was a humble boy from Ayrshire, very well raised.
“But I also liked the fact he had a bit of cheek on the pitch, that confidence to work a few tricks to get the better of a defender.”
The Dutchman also revealed that although he gave Tottenham supremo Daniel Levy a glowing report about Forrest, he had warned him not be lured away early in his career in the fear of it stalling down south.
“I stressed that he shouldn’t go to England. I worried if he’d gone aged 20, 21, then he wouldn’t get many games to develop himself.
“I felt certain he was better staying at Celtic — playing regularly, enjoying trophy success and also getting selected for the Scotland national team. I was proved right. But I also have to admit that I had a conversation with Daniel Levy at the time.
“Spurs were watching James and he asked me for my opinion of him.
“I was clear to Daniel, someone I know well, that James was a brilliant young talent and was worth trying to buy.
“I don’t know what happened after that, if Spurs made a bid that wasn’t enough, or if Celtic just made it clear to them James wasn’t for sale.
“All I can say now is that I’m delighted with how things have worked out for him over the last ten years.
“What he has achieved in football is really amazing.
“And it’s especially pleasing that a young Scottish lad has been able to make it big at Celtic. Just like Callum McGregor who is a couple of years younger.
“James and Callum have come through the Celtic academy, and they represent fantastic role models for all the present day youngsters hoping to follow in their footsteps.”
Ange Postecoglou is hoping there is more to come for the winger and with Celtic still to play a lot of football this season due to a busy schedule caused by the World Cup, it’s a chance for him to target 500 appearances for the club in the remaining years of his contract which only 12 men have done.
If he reaches the milestone he would join the illustrious company of Billy McNeill, Paul McStay, Roy Aitken, Danny McGrain, Pat Bonner, Alec McNair, Scott Brown, Bobby Lennox, Bobby Evans, Jimmy McMenemy, Jimmy Johnstone and Tommy Burns.
