Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie feels that James Forrest may still lose his place in the starting lineup, despite the Hoops veteran scoring four goals in his last two games.
Forrest replaced Liel Abada in the first half of their recent Champions League outing with RB Leipzig and has started both league fixtures since.
The 31-year-old had only played an hour of Premiership football prior to last weekend when he grabbed a hat-trick in the 6-1 thrashing of Hibernian.
It took the 38-cap Scotland ace into the 100 club at Celtic and scored once again on Saturday against Motherwell.
However, speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie is still expecting Abada to start the upcoming fixtures.
He said: “Abada is younger, he is fitter.
“James has shown that he can do it. I think Abada is learning every day and the manager said he is willing to learn.
“James came in, scored a hat-trick and then scored again. It is good to see that response to Abada coming in. I am delighted with it.”
TIF Thoughts on McAvennie’s comments…
Is James Forrest underrated?Yes
No
|
Abada has only started four of the Bhoys’ 11 league games this season, and considering the hot streak Forrest is on, you would be forgiven for thinking that the young Israeli will struggle to regain a place in the starting XI.
The 21-year-old hasn’t scored in the top flight since he netted a brace in the Old Firm derby at the start of September.
However, only Kyogo Furuhashi has scored more league goals than Abada, who produced a hat-trick the game prior to their success over Rangers as the champions demolished Dundee United 9-0.
The winger is averaging a goal or an assist every 59 minutes in the Premiership, but despite those impressive numbers, it will be interesting to see if Ange Postecoglou does indeed stick with Forrest for now.