CELTIC great John Hartson insists Ange Postecoglou has a plan for evergreen James Forrest.
The Hoops boss is on the brink of adding Rubin Kazan winger Sead Haksabanovic to his squad as he continues to strengthen for the rigours that lie ahead at home and abroad.
Postecoglou signed Filipe Jota on a £6.5million permanent deal from Benfica in the summer after the Portuguese flyer’s impressive season-long loan.
BY THE LEFT…Filipe Jota displays his touchline trickery.
Israel international wide boy Liel Abada, 20, was one of the manager’s first signings at £3.75million when he arrived from Hapoel Petah Tikva in July last year.
Japanese speedster Daizen Maeda, who joined from Yokohama F Marinos in January, can also play on the flanks as wel as through the middle.
The introduction of such talented touchline aces has piled pressure on 31-year-old Forrest with some critics speculating that his 13-year career at Parkhead could be coming to an end.
Looking at the predicted signing of Haksabanovic, Hartson said: “It’s more quality. And quality is better than quantity. He’s not just somebody to add to the group.
BY THE RIGHT…Liel Abada fires in Celtic’s third goal in the 3-1 win over Ross County in Dingwall.
“I think he’ll come in and test the likes of Abada and Forrest on that right-hand side. He’s a winger who can play across the front, so he looks another that Ange can add to his existing quality.
“You don’t just want to bring in players who aren’t as good as the ones you’ve got for the sake of having numbers. Ange will bring him in with a view to using him, I’m sure about that.”
Hartson, speaking to Go Radio, added: “I actually thought one of the big reasons Forrest signed a new deal is because he’s been a great player for Celtic over the years.
EVERGREEN…long-serving James Forrest still has a role to play at Celtic, insists John Hartson.
“He’s conducted himself properly, with some huge performances in Europe, and he’s got medals coming out of his ears. I thought they gave him that new deal so they can get more for him in the transfer window if they had the opportunity to sell him.
“But obviously there’s been no talk of him going anywhere. But with Haksabanovic coming in, another quality player who can play on the wing, you do wonder.
“You have to back the manager, he’s got a plan for him.”
Forrest has yet to start after four Premiership games this season and has figured for only 10 minutes as a substitute for Jota in the 5-0 win over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park earlier this month.
