Brendan Rodgers has talked about the pivotal role James Forrest has played in Celtic’s campaign, particularly in the critical stages leading up to a potential domestic double.

Despite being sidelined and underutilised for much of the last three seasons, Forrest’s resurgence has been timely. His recent performances have not only reclaimed his place on the team but have also earned him a spot in Scotland’s provisional squad for the upcoming Euros.

Rodgers, reflecting on the situation, acknowledged the competition within the squad that initially placed Forrest on the periphery.

He said [RecordSport]: “I looked back over the last few years and James was an important member of the squad, but maybe wasn’t the starter he once was. If you look at Liel Ababa and Daizen Maeda and Jota there were the players that were in front of him.

“He still had a very important part to play, even though the game time might not be so much. And then we start this season again where he has been on the periphery at the beginning because of those players.

“Then Liel moved on and Daizen was injured and I always felt James was a top class player. As the season went on and as I watched him more in training, I then had to make a decision – and the decision for the team and for the club was that he had to play.

“I know what I am going to get from James. I get that high level quality, he can look after the ball and create and score a goal. And any deficiencies he has in his game now, because he is older, we have to try to deal with.

“I can’t sit here and say that at the beginning of the season I knew he would do what he is doing now. But I knew his talent and I am so happy he has been able to demonstrate that at the perfect time. He’s also a big game player and that was one of the key elements of bringing him back into the team. I knew what I was going to get.

“He has played in big games, makes the big contributions and, come big games, scores big goals. So I am absolutely delighted for him because he is such a humble guy. He has worked hard every single day waiting for the moments and waiting for the opportunities. And when they came he elevated the team.”

It does beg the question of why it’s taken Forrest three years to get the chance to show his quality.

It’s not because he was underestimated. Rodgers said he was the best winger in terms of quality Celtic had, earlier in the season.

It’s great to see Forrest’s resurgence on the wings, though and it’s also amazing news that he’s got himself another call-up to the Scottish national team, his first since the last Euros.