NEIL LENNON has confirmed he’s ready to hand Janes Forrest a bumper new deal to ensure the winger is a one club man the rest of his career.

James, 28, still has three-years left of his current deal, taking the player to 31 before it expires. However, Neil Lennon has been gushing in his praise for the Celtic youth product and believes he should be rewarded with a new long term deal.

James was a polarising figure in the Celtic support until Brendan Rodgers helped the midfielder mature into a top player for the club. Before that, James played more in fits and bursts.

As priorities at the club go, a new contract for the midfielder is not really one of them but the Irishman seems adamant it could happen.

“He still has time left on his deal but we have already talked about an extension for him.” Lennon told RecordSport.

“I honestly think Jamesy is the poster boy for the club.

“He’s really the first one since the inception of all this.

“He broke in, scored on his debut at 18 and he’s 28 now.

“He’s player of the year, treble Treble winner, played in the Champions League, and was international player of the year for Scotland.

“He has been doing it year in, year out.

“I think he got maligned a little bit for a spell or two but over the last few seasons he’s really matured into a top quality player.

“He could go and play anywhere but I’m glad we have him.

“He is a brilliant player and
I have never hidden my admiration for him.”

James is one of the first names in the team sheet for Lennon and with comments like this we don’t see that changing any time soon. If the winger can continue the type of form he has over the past two seasons, he’ll be okay!