James Forrest played a key role in Celtic booking their spot in another Scottish Cup final.
In comments reported by Herald Scotland, Frank McAvennie has lauded James Forrest’s ability to step up on the big stage for Celtic, but added that the winger needs to make an impact more often.
Forrest helped the Hoops book their ticket to another Scottish Cup final at the weekend as he scored the screamer to break the deadlock in the 3-0 win against Aberdeen at Hampden Park.
The wide-man has now scored 22 goals this term for club and country. And while McAvennie was full of praise for the 27-year-old’s performances this term, he did suggest that he had one problem with Forrest.
“Forrest is a big game player. He’s a wonderful talent but I sometimes think he doesn’t do enough for me,” he told Herald Scotland. “He should be doing it every week. But you look at him now and he’s a big game player.
“That’s the sign of a top player and I’m glad no one has come in and taken him away. He’s going to be up there for player of the year.”
There is no doubt that Forrest has stepped up on numerous occasions when the team have needed him. It was his goal that decided the Old Firm game last month, and his stunning strike was the vital moment at the weekend with the Dons already down to 10 men by that stage.
It is perhaps most difficult for a winger to find consistency. And Celtic do not suffer on the occasions when Forrest is not able to make an impact as they have several other match-winners within their ranks who can step up.
McAvennie notes that it is a boost for Celtic that no-one has taken Forrest yet. And it is perhaps because he is not quite as consistent as some would like that the Hoops have been able to keep him at Parkhead.
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