James Forrest scored the winner for Celtic in their most recent contest against Rosenborg.
Forrest has shown inconsistency ever since breaking into Celtic’s team as a youngster.
The Scottish international has been brilliant in some matches, but then gone off the boil.
However, Forrest played a starring role as Celtic beat Rosenborg and qualified for the next round of Champions League qualifying in mid-week.
The 26-year-old was given a role up-front, and lashed in the winner in the tie.
And Rodgers has been glowing with his praise of the rapid attacker, who he feels is starting to develop into an excellent player.
“He very rarely misses training but the key for James was pushing him in training and making sure the engine didn’t switch off,” Rodgers said.
“You want to improve as a player so that demand has improved him. You can never have a lazy day and he knows that. He’s been absolutely brilliant for me, right across the front of the team, and at 26 you can see he’s enjoying his football.
“He was outstanding against Rosenborg, both in a central role where he moves freely and knows how to play it, and when he goes wide he takes us up the pitch. His goal was sensational really.
“There’s huge expectation on James. I’ve watched him since he was a young player breaking into the Celtic team and there’s no doubting his talent.”
How important a role Forrest will have to play at Celtic over the coming campaign remains to be seen.
Forrest was rotated into Rodgers’ team last season, with the wide-man scoring eight times in 46 appearances.
Celtic get their league season under way this weekend, when they take on Hearts tomorrow.
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