Celtic winger James Forrest has opened up on the part he plays off the pitch in helping new signings and inexperienced players adjust to the pressure of life at Celtic.
Forrest, who made his first-team debut in May 2010, has found game time limited this season.
However, in recent weeks, he has forced his way into the starting 11.
He said: [Sky Sports], “I think it’s key that maybe players that have just come into the team, like this season, they know how massive it is straight away when you play the first couple of games at Celtic.
“So, I think it is good to have players that have been there, but as I said, we’re a tight squad, and we’ve got a lot of good players. So, I think if I can contribute a little bit, and behind the scenes as well, it’s good that I manage to do it on the park as well today.”
Forrest clearly has become very accustomed to helping players off the pitch, which is something that may not grab the headlines like his two goals against Dundee, but it is arguably just as important at any football club.
Every dressing room needs leaders with experience, whether they be vocal leaders or leaders who do their talking on the pitch with their performances and hard work in training.
Forrest is certainly this, and just when he had looked to be on the way out of the club in January, he has fought his way right back into the first-team picture just when Celtic needed him most.
A lesson that younger members of the squad could certainly learn from.
