JAMES FORREST has a speedy response to his critics who insist his Celtic days are over.
The evergreen winger, who has won a phenomenal 22 honours and scored over 100 goals after his first appearance against Motherwell 13 years ago, has been on the periphery in recent seasons.
However, Brendan Rodgers has no intention of throwing the Scotland international “to the garbage” as he reassess his squad during the January transfer window, as CQN reported earlier today.
ON THE BALL…James Forrest puts pressure on the Hibs defence at Easter Road.
However, Forrest still has a part to play going forward for the champions and, according to his manager, he is still flying at the club following recent sprint timings at Lennoxtown.
Rodgers said: “We did tests the other week and, even at 32, James is still our quickest winger.
“He’s up there with Daizen, believe it or not, in terms of sheer speed.
“He might not be able to do it as much, or for prolonged periods of the game, but his actual football is still outstanding and he can definitely come into the team and impact the game.
“I think every game he’s had he’s been able to do that, whether he’s started or come off the bench.”
PRIZE GUY…James Forrest with last season’s Premiership trophy, one of 22 honours he has won at Celtic.
Forrest came so close to his first strike of the campaign and the points-clincher in the scoreless stalemate against Hibs at Easter Road on Saturday when he smashed a a six-yard drive off the face of the crossbar in the last 10 minutes.
Rodgers, speaking to the Scottish Sun, added: “He could have got the winner for us at the weekend.
“Listen, we understand the modern world and the want for shiny new things.
“But I’m not going to throw guys to the garbage who I know are still very, very good players and who can make an impact for us.
“James came in and did really well.”
