“His first finish is sublime – what technique,” Rodgers on Forrest

A delighted Brendan Rodgers praised Celtic veteran winger James Forrest in his post-match media conference at Dens Park this afternoon after the league leaders picked up all three points to stay three points clear at the top of the league looking down on theRangers.

Here’s everything that was said…

Q: What can you say about James Forrest?

Brendan Rodgers: “James is just a brilliant player. He’s one of the remaining fathers of the success this club has had over the last decade or so. There are very few of them left, but he’s definitely one of them. His creativity, mentality and quality over the last decade have been so important.

“I’m so pleased for him. His first finish is sublime – what technique. His second one, he’s made it look easier than it actually was. He may not quite have the legs he had years back but the quality doesn’t diminish. He was our matchwinner today and I’m so happy for him. He wasn’t only demanding the ball, he looks after it. If he can’t beat a man he secures it. That’s his game, looking to take people on, passing and shooting – everything you want in a winger to be effective in the game.”

Q: Is that experience key at this time of the season?

Brendan Rodgers: “Yeah, I think that experience and ability to want the ball in pressure situations. That’s something he’s delivered many, many times for this club. It definitely helps at this stage of the season.”

Q: Do you think he is in line to be recalled into the Scotland squad for Euros?

Brendan Rodgers: “I hadn’t thought about Scotland, to be honest. I certainly know when I was here the first time James was a key player, scoring goals. My only interest is in Celtic, we have four matches to go and a cup final. If he keeps producing that quality of performance it will be a big help to us.”

Q: Did you have any reservations about the pitch?

Brendan Rodgers: “I’m pleased. The pitch was difficult, it’s bumpy so it was always going to be a challenge to play fast, flowing football but at this stage of the season, it’s about getting the results. Dundee have had a fantastic season and have made it very difficult for teams here. We got into a fantastic position going 2-0 up then the own goal gave them a bit of hope in the final fifteen minutes. But we saw it through and picked up a fantastic three points.”

OVER ON CELTIC SHORTS…Brendan Rodgers praises James Forrest after double delight at Dens Park

About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor David Faulds has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

1 Comment

  1. Starting to become clearer as to why Rodgers is all over James forrest like a rash?
    James forrest is currently keeping Rodgers in his job as far as I’m concerned?
    The calls for Rodgers head would possibly have grown if the James forrest contribution hadn’t bailed Rodgers out of some tricky situations lately?
    Still it can’t be ignored that Rodgers can’t get the best out of established players, and hardly producing anything of note with our other squad players either imo?
    So potentially looking like forrest will have to keep Rodgers in his job, which is hardly the most promising position to find our club currently in imo?
    Rodgers may talk the talk, but he does deliver some amount of bullshit in return also?
    Expected far better from Rodgers, but after nearly a whole full season, it still isn’t being delivered with the performance levels?
    Can no longer defend just how much these established players have regressed under Rodgers methods, and without signs of much coming through either?
    Remain concerned about our end of season demands for success to actually be delivered, especially against such a woeful Hun scum team?
    This shouldn’t be the case, and better not materialise either, but hardly over confident that it won’t happen either, after today’s dreadful display yet again?
    On the bigger picture, I have no real confidence in Rodgers taking the club forward, especially when all the evidence is pointing towards he has managed to take us in the opposite direction so far upon his return imo?