LIVE
...

Follow us on

Soccer News

Ally McCoist says James Forrest had gone stale at Celtic, looks rejuvenated

Heart of Midlothian's Miguel Pallardo (R) in action with Celtic's James Forrest (Reuters)
Follow us on Google Discover

Ally McCoist is impressed with James Forrest’s recent form for Celtic.

Heart of Midlothian's Miguel Pallardo (R) in action with Celtic's James ForrestHeart of Midlothian’s Miguel Pallardo (R) in action with Celtic’s James Forrest

Ally McCoist has told BBC Radio 5 Live that he is particularly impressed with the recent form shown by James Forrest at Celtic.

The former Scotland international and Rangers player and manager believes Forrest had begun to go ‘stale’ at Celtic last season under former manager Ronny Deila.

Rangers manager Ally McCoistFormer Rangers manager Ally McCoist

McCoist said that the work new boss Brendan Rodgers has done to improve Forrest is every bit as key as the signings he has brought into the club.

He said, speaking to 5 Live on Monday night: “To a certain degree [Rodgers’ work has been good], he made some very good signings but just as important, one or two had players gone stale shall I say, but he’s given them a new lease of life.

“Particularly Forrest, his form had dipped, and he was linked with a move to Tottenham previously, but since Brendan Rodgers came in he has been rejuvenated.”

Celtic's James Forrest (R) celebrates scoring their third goal against Aberdeen with Mikael Lustig (L)Celtic’s James Forrest (R) celebrates scoring their third goal against Aberdeen with Mikael Lustig (L)

Forrest, 25, has three goals in his first four league games this season, with the match against Rangers being the only one he did not find the net in.

That means he has already out performed his goalscoring contribution from last season, in which he netted just two league goals in 19 league matches.

His new manager clearly has faith in him, and Forrest is thriving from this fact, and with three strikes to his name already, it is not unrealistic to project him reaching double figures before the season is over.

New Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers during the press conferenceNew Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers