James Forrest has been in exceptional form for Celtic this season.
Former Scottish Premiership players Steven Thompson and Michael Stewart have told BBC Sportscene Extra’s Facebook Live channel that Celtic winger James Forrest is the Player of the Season so far.
The 26-year-old has been in magnificent form for Brendan Rodgers’ side this season, as the Hoops go in search of a second successive treble under the former Liverpool and Swansea City manager.
A 21-time Scotland international, Forrest is one of the first names on Rodgers’ team sheet despite the likes of Charly Musonda, Scott Sinclair, Paddy Roberts and Jonny Hayes providing competition – though the latter two have been injured.
Former Rangers striker Thompson was firmly of the belief that Forrest had been the best of the rest, while Stewart considered the likes of Christophe Berra, Graeme Shinnie and Jordan Jones before agreeing with Thompson.
Thompson: “James Forrest would be my player of the year thus far. Two more assists on Saturday, an assist last Saturday, 16 goals, he has been Scotland’s player of the season.
Stewart: “Defensively, I think Christophe Berra is right up there. In an attacking sense I think Jordan Jones has been very impressive at Kilmarnock. Graeme Shinnie has been very good in midfield for Aberdeen. But if I have to pick one, I would go for James Forrest as well.”
Forrest has amassed an impressive 16 goals for Celtic this season in 47 league and cup encounters this season, adding another five assists for the Hoops as they continue to remain at the top of the league.
After winning the Betfred Cup, Celtic have progressed into the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup and could go nine points clear at the top of the league if they beat Rangers on Sunday afternoon at Ibrox.
Forrest is likely to start alongside mainstays such as Scott Brown and Kieran Tierney, though Rodgers will be without the likes of Hayes, Leigh Griffiths, Craig Gordon and a handful of others.
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