“He has been exceptional. I couldn’t think any higher of him as a person.

James sets the standards. He’s been out of squads this season, and he has just trained brilliantly every single day.

“We’ve had injury problems, the club have made commitments to other players with contracts and things like that, that’s life at the top end.

“But James Forrest hasn’t flinched. James Forrest has been exceptional every time he has been called upon.

“He is exceptional in training, he came on and really calmed us down, he was brilliant on Saturday.

“I just wish we could have finished the game at 2-1 in 90 minutes and then it would be James having the conversations afterwards.”

Although Daizen Maeda looks to have made a miraculous recovery from a hamstring injury and could be back available for Hearts’ visit to Parkhead next weekend, Forrest will still have a part to play between now and the end of the season.

The veteran has contributed critically at points this campaign, with his experience proving key in a team that has been plagued with injury.

Many fans are calling for him to get the nod this weekend in Dundee, a transpiration that wouldn’t be surprising given his impact last Saturday.