James Forrest backed for new role as Celtic details emerge – expert
James Forrest will get more game time under new Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Hoops striker Frank McAvennie insisted Rodgers will utilise Forrest more than Ange Postecoglou did.
The 31-year-old has spent 15 years with the Parkhead club with his current contract running until 2025 after he signed an extension last year.
But with the arrivals of Jota, Daizen Maeda and Liel Abada, the winger has struggled for game time in recent seasons.
Forrest made 23 appearances across all competitions under Postecoglou last season and was in the starting lineup for just five of those outings.
As quoted by The Herald (25 June), Rodgers insisted Forrest still has a big future at Celtic and knows how important he can be to the side from when they worked together last time Rodgers was in charge.
McAvennie is uncertain if Forrest has what it takes to play every week.
“I do not think James could play that much,” he told Football Insider.
“He has been a great servant to Celtic and I know Brendan likes him but I am not sure if he has got the legs for the way that we play.
“I think he will get more time with Brendan than he did with Ange, he was not Ange’s kind of player.
“James could be part of the new look team moving forward because Brendan likes him and he likes wide players at some points.
“I do not think he will change the forward line too much unless they are going to enhance the pace and mobility.“
In other news, Celtic to step up striker talks when he returns from the summer break.