As news of James Forrest’s planned surgery on his ankle broke yesterday that could see the winger out for a longer period of time, just how much will Celtic miss the international winger?
Forrest made his first team debut for the Hoops under current gaffer Lennon on May 1st 2010. He scored on his debut in a 4-0 rout over Motherwell, firing in the third of the four goals and has been a mainstay in the side over the nine in a row era.
Since his debut in 2010, Forrest has made 405 appearances over all domestic and European Competitions, scoring 91 goals and adding an impressive 93 assists. Amazingly 60 of those 90 goals have been in the Scottish League. His career has seen him play for several different Celtic managers who were so clearly impressed by the wingers talent that he became a mainstay for Neil Lennon, Ronny Deila, Brendan Rodgers. It is unquestionable that it was under Rodgers guidance that Forrest really came into his own.
During Neil Lennons first spell as Celtic Manager, Forrest appeared 99 times over all competitions, scoring 20 goals and helping the team with 20 assists.
Then along came Deila after Lennons departure and over Ronny’s two seasons Forrest featured 62 times, scoring 6 and assisting in 6.
Brendan Rodgers arrived in 2016 and over the course of Rodgers stewardship James cemented his place and reputation as one of Celtics best players as he made 160 appearances, scoring 43 goals and making 33 assists as Celtic marched towards a record breaking Treble Treble and Invincibles season in 16/17.
There is no doubt Forrest will be a massive loss to Neil Lennon and the Bhoys and his scoring and assists will be sorely missed. Lennon will be desperate to see his protégé return sooner rather than later and pick up where he left off in a bid to help the Hoops seal an historic Ten In a Row.