Brendan Rodgers has hailed the club’s decision to let James Forrest lead the team out with the Premiership trophy as “long overdue,” paying tribute to a player he insists is still delivering at the highest level.
Forrest, who recently became Celtic’s most decorated player of all time, will have the honour of presenting the league trophy to his teammates on the pitch at Celtic Park on Saturday following the final league game of the season against St Mirren.
Rodgers was full of praise for the 33-year-old and the tribute being paid by the club: “It’s great for him. I think it’s long overdue, all the accolades he’s receiving this season. I saw him the other night — 33 years of age, still strong in his legs and running. He’s always had quality. It’ll be a lovely touch by the club, for him to do that with his family.” [Celtic TV]
Forrest produced a man-of-the-match performance against Aberdeen in midweek, notching an assist but just missing out on the goal that would see him score in a 16th consecutive season for the Hoops.
Rodgers is hopeful he can find the net before the season ends:“Yeah, he was so unlucky — the keeper makes a great save the other night when he cuts inside on his left. The first one he drags wide, the second is saved, but he’s always a goal threat. I’m pretty sure over the next couple of games he’ll get his goal. But even if he doesn’t, he’s still a wonderful player.”
It’s shaping up to be an emotional occasion for Forrest, a one-club man who has epitomised Celtic’s success over the past two decades. Saturday’s gesture recognises that longevity, loyalty and class, in what could be one of the final trophy lifts of a glittering career. It would be extremely fitting if he could get that goal he’s been search for, after a drought that will reach its 367th day on Saturday.
