James Forrest has been one of Celtic’s most influential players over the last four years. His goals and assists have been one of the main reasons why Celtic have been unstoppable in their relentless assault on the Scottish domestic scene.
Forrest has been out of action since December with an ankle injury and recently had surgery to rectify the issue. The winger returned to training during the squads winter training camp trip to Dubai and Lennon was confident of his wingman’s return, “James isn’t a million miles away which is great because he’s been such a pivotal player for us over the years.”
And the Celtic boss isn’t far wrong. James Forrest has been absolutely PIVOTAL for the Hoops not only for the nine in a row run, but mainly in the clubs completion of the Quadruple Treble.
Looking back solely at the Quadruple Treble, Forrest’s goals and assists were instrumental in our pursuit of silverware. Listed below is his stats and appearances for the past four seasons Scottish domestic competitions:
2016/17
Appearances: 36
Goals: 6
Assists: 12
Discipline: 2 yellow cards
2017/18
Appearances: 42
Goals: 15
Assists: 9
Discipline: 1 yellow card
2018/19
Appearances: 42
Goals: 16
Assists: 13
Discipline: 3 yellows
2019/20
Appearances: 34
Goals: 11
Assists: 18
Discipline: 0 yellows
You can’t spin this any other way. The argument that Forrest goes missing in big games by a section of the support is not only lazy, but embarrassing. Not has he scored 48 goals over four seasons but having a hand in 52 on top of that is an outstanding return from a winger.
Not only is Forrest a great attacking threat, he has an exemplary disciplinary record having amassed a mere 6 yellow cards on 154 domestic appearances.
Lennon will certainly be hoping that the winger makes a return sooner rather than later to help the team turn around their dismal form.