Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has endured a rollercoaster campaign back at Parkhead that could still yield two trophies.
The Irishman has had to contend with injury struggles, lapses in form and external scrutiny; nevertheless, he has remained a stoic figure in the fight for the Scottish Premiership title.
Back in February, Rodgers coined the term ‘we will write our own story’ in relation to some narratives being portrayed in the media after Celtic’s late victory over Motherwell at Fir Park.
Responding emphatically, Celtic have won seven of their last nine across all competitions, with a draw away to Rangers at Ibrox thrown in for good measure.
Tension engulfed our visit to Dens Park last Sunday, which was amplified by Rangers’ triumph over St Mirren earlier in the day.
Nevertheless, up stepped veteran winger James Forrest to take the bull by the horns on Tayside, netting a double to keep the Bhoys in pole position to claim Scottish football’s greatest prize.
Despite his frequent injury issues over recent years, the 32-year-old has been a valuable contributor for Celtic this campaign, registering six goals and one assist from 24 appearances [Transfermarkt].
Michael Stewart thinks Celtic have landed ‘massive bonus’
From nowhere, Forrest has slowly built up his involvement under Rodgers and has now forced his way into the starting line-up due to his form, prompting suggestions that he could be a late entrant into Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad for EURO 2024.
Speaking to BBC Sport, pundit Michael Stewart believes his re-emergence from the doldrums and match-winning qualities have provided Rodgers with a ‘massive bonus’ at Celtic as he plots a third successive league triumph.
Stewart explained: “It’s very, very positive for Celtic that they’ve got someone like that, who almost feels like a new player for them, for the run-in as they chase a league and Scottish Cup double.
“Look at last week’s semi-final against Aberdeen. The wide areas were terrible. Aberdeen were brilliant at shutting Celtic down. When you’re playing against teams like that who are man-to-man and not giving you any time, you need guys in the wide areas who can go one-on-one, take people on, and get in behind.
“Forrest came on and made a difference because he has that quality to make things happen. It’s a massive bonus for Celtic because there’s an edginess that creeps in when things are tight at this stage of the season and Forrest has got the experience and the talent.
Whatever the circumstances are behind his introduction as a starter, Forrest has added a different dimension in the final third for Celtic at a critical point in the campaign.
At this stage in his career, the Scotland international doesn’t have the stamina he once displayed on the flank; however, his willingness to drive at defenders and ability to efficiently utilise possession is night and day compared to some of our other options at present, if we’re being honest.
Hopefully, he can continue to produce for Celtic as we embark on one final push to ensure the campaign ends on a successful note.
