Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has opened up about the potential involvement of James Forrest in the crucial stages of the Scottish Premiership season.
Despite being on the fringes of the first team this year, the 32-year-old winger, who has become somewhat of a rarity on the pitch, is still very much in Rodgers’ plans.
He’s been linked with moves away from Celtic since January, with some deadline-day offers surfacing. There is still time for the player to move to the MLS, with their window open until April.
Forrest, who has been with Celtic for the entirety of his professional career, has seen limited action this season, making 18 appearances but only amassing 419 minutes of play and scoring twice. His last appearance came in the 2-0 victory over Livingston on December 23, and he was even absent from the squad for the Scottish Cup match against Buckie Thistle.
Rodgers, addressing Forrest’s current situation, emphasised the winger’s availability and his exemplary service to the club over the years.
He told Celtic TV: “James is available.
“He’s been training and been an amazing servant to this club. I’m pretty sure over these final remaining games he may well have a part to play in it.
“I think for me, the thing is looking at the team we need to have intensity, we need to have that relentless mentality.
“But there’s no doubt of his ability, that’s never in question.
“As a winger, I would say in terms of ability-wise, he’s the best one we have. There’s no question.
“But how we ask the game to be played, the intensity, the consistent running, as you get older then it becomes a challenge.
“But there’s no doubt, there will be a point over these next 11 games where he’ll be required.
“He’s training so well and keeping himself ready. He’s a top professional.
“He looks after his body and he’s himself every day and if he’s required to play then he will do.”
As Celtic push for the title in a tightly contested Premiership, Forrest’s experience and skill could yet prove decisive in the final chapters of this season’s campaign.
