Journalist Mark Guidi believes that James Forrest should be given a start for Celtic in the Scottish Premiership this weekend.
Forrest came on for his 450th appearance on Tuesday night in the Champions League after Liel Abada was unable to continue.
It was just the fifth time the winger was introduced this season, and writing for GlasgowLive, Ben Banks awarded the 10-time Scottish champion a 5/10 rating, with the lack of minutes telling.
However, Guidi was happy with what the 31-year-old brought to the game against RB Leipzig and admitted that he would like to see him playing against Hibernian this weekend.
Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show following Tuesday’s defeat, he said: “I liked wee Forrest, I have to say. Okay, he’s not got an assist, he’s not scored a goal, but I liked seeing him again, because we don’t him see him that often and I thought there was a freshness about his play, a real enthusiasm, and I hope he starts at the weekend.
“I think he deserves it. Right now, I’d rather Forrest than Maeda for a starting point for sure, I’d have Forrest over Maeda.”
TIF Thoughts on Guidi’s comments…
Should Ange drop Maeda?
Yes
No
Forrest certainly did try and make things happen once he came on, sending in a team-high five crosses, ranking joint-second for key passes and creating one big chance, according to SofaScore.
Maeda, who has been hailed as ‘dangerous’, meanwhile, needs something to ‘lift his confidence’ according to Banks, having missed one big chance on the night.
Club journalist Ryan McGinlay has also noted that the Japanese international is low on self-esteem and we feel taking him out of the firing line may not be the worst thing for Ange Postecoglou to do, although Abada’s injury may open the door for Forrest to come into the side anyway.