Celtic winger James Forrest has been out for just over six weeks with a knock suffered in the Premier Sports Cup final against Rangers on December 15th, meaning he has been out for a little longer than originally suggested by Brendan Rodgers after the game.

Rodgers has stressed at least six weeks out for Forrest, and with Jota coming in the door on Monday, it means the Hoops are in greater strength out wide. A realistic expectation would be for Forrest to return to the squad in early to mid-February, with Luis Palma reportedly set to join Olympiacos, Jota and Forrest will likely play a big part in the second half of the season.

However, Rodgers is experienced enough as a coach not to rush Forrest back any earlier than is right, given Celtic’s wingers’ troubled time with injuries over the last decade. But the return of Forrest is one that supporters will keep an eye on, as his return to the team could prove crucial, as he did at this stage of last season when he made the difference in securing a league and cup double.

Forrest is a player who often goes under the radar for his style of play and incredible attitude off the pitch, leading to less media coverage than others. But, as he has shown time and time again when Celtic need him, he will stand up.

He may not be as fast as he once was, but his understanding of when to play passes and make runs into the box is unmatched in this current Hoops team. Although he will find a place in the starting 11 hard to come by when he returns, with Nicolas Kuhn and Daizen Maeda’s form this season, however, off the bench and in games where Rodgers decides to rotate, he will be vital when he can shrug off the knock suffered over a month ago.