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News
Brendan Rodgers deserves huge credit for turning James Forrest from misfit to Celtic superstar
It would be fair to say that Celtic winger James Forrest is in the form of his life. He bagged a hat-trick for Scotland on Tuesday night as they defeated Israel 3-2 to win UEFA Nations League promotion.
It took his impressive recent tally to 12 goals in his last 11 games for club and country.
It is an incredible run of form and Celtic fans must know Brendan Rodgers is key to the success.
During the 2015-16 season, it seemed as though Forrest was on his way out. Celtic’s then manager Ronny Deila was failing to get the best out of the winger. His contract was also coming to an end and the Norwegian that Forrest’s long-term career was not at Celtic.
Celtic fans, at the time, were not that bothered. Whilst they knew Forrest had potential, he was not showing it under Deila. He scored just two goals in 2015-16 and provided the same amount of assists. The season previous he struggled with a knee problem and scored three, providing just three. Those figures, especially considering Celtic’s continued domestic dominance, were poor. So fans were not overly fussed at the news that Forrest was leaving.
However, Deila left and one of Rodgers’ first moves was to tie Forrest down to a new deal.
The results have been clear for all to see. Rodgers has given Forrest a confidence to thrive for his beloved Celtic. In the two-and-a-half seasons since he has scored 34 goals for Celtic and provided 35 assists, an incredible turnaround in form from his time under the Norwegian.
Rodgers can rightly take massive credit for Forrest’s current form. It might even be the biggest achievement from his time as Celtic manager.