Celtic winger James Forrest still has a lot to offer to the Glasgow giants this season.
That is according to former Celt Simon Donnelly, who was speaking to the Glasgow Evening Times about the 31-year-old winger during the international break.
Ange Postecoglou’s reign as manager of the Scottish Champions has been particularly successful over the last 12 months, but Forrest has found opportunities limited at Celtic Park, playing just 72 minutes of football for the Australian’s team so far this season.
The Prestwick-born wide man has won 21 trophies in his time at the club, but may feel it is time to move on soon, if he doesn’t get enough playing time.
But Donnelly believes that Forrest still has a lot to offer the club in terms of his experience, and would like to see the wide man stay at the club.
“He still has a part to play,” Donnelly told the Glasgow Evening Times.
“He has his work cut out trying to get in the team with the guys around him.
“He is no spring chicken anymore.
“But he has still shown he has the quality.
“He wouldn’t be here otherwise.
“If I am a young boy then I would be picking the brain of James and Harry Kewell. “
“It is an invaluable experience watching how these guys go about their business and training with them.”
TIF Thoughts on Donnelly’s comments
We agree with Donnelly and believe that if the club were to allow Forrest to depart Celtic Park, they would not only be losing a good squad player on the pitch, but an experienced figure off it as well.
Postecoglou’s side has an average age of 25.7 according to Transfermarkt, suggesting that this young squad could do with some experience to balance out the characters in the Australian’s squad.
Therefore, if Forrest is happy to carry on with the role he currently has, we think that the club should be encouraging the 38-time Scotland international to stay put.