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Scott Brown says Celtic star has discovered new lease of life

Celtic's James Forrest (Reuters)
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The 25-year-old had previously looked destined to leave Celtic.

Celtic's Scott Brown celebrates scoring their fifth goalCeltic’s Scott Brown

Celtic skipper Scott Brown has expressed his delight at the new lease of life that James Forrest has found this season, The Scottish Sun reports.

Under Ronny Deila, the 25-year-old had looked like he may be on his way out of Parkhead at some stage (via Daily Record) with many supporters writing off his chances of ever realising the potential he showed when he first burst onto the scene.

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

But Brendan Rodgers’ arrival has seemingly proved to be a turning point for Forrest. His performances have dramatically improved this season, and he has celebrated that upturn in form by signing a new three-year deal (via Record).

And Brown has been full of praise for the way that Forrest has turned his Hoops career around in recent times.

“There are goals everywhere. If you look at James, he is flying. I don’t think he’d scored five goals in training over the past nine seasons,” he said, as reported by The Scottish Sun.

Celtic manager Brendan RodgersBrendan Rodgers’ arrival appears to have inspired Forrest’s upturn in form

“It seems the only way he can score is with the outside of his peg. It has been brilliant to see the new lease of life he has.

“There is a willingness to run in behind and close people down. It is fantastic.”

The fact that Forrest is now a genuine contender for a position that the likes of Scott Sinclair and Patrick Roberts are also vying for highlights just how far he has come this season.

Celtic's James Forrest

As well as contributing two assists in the Scottish Premiership, he has also scored four goals in the top flight, meaning that only Sinclair and Moussa Dembele have scored more times in the league.

And if Forrest maintains that form in the coming months, any side that was considering a move for him when he looked destined to leave will be kicking themselves that they did not make it happen.