Why Celtic handed James Forrest long-term contract revealed

Not too long ago, James Forrest was one of Celtic’s most important and effective players. That is no longer the case though as the winger has struggled with both form and fitness in recent times. On the other hand, with options like Jota, Liel Abada and Daizen Maeda on the wings, he has also found it difficult to break into the first-team picture.

Thus, it was a major surprise when Celtic decided to hand Forrest a long-term contract extension of three years. A short extension would have made sense but the long-term one was something that not many fans would have seen coming, considering that he has been on the fringes of the first-team for more than two years now.

It remains to be seen if Forrest can play his way back into the first-team or not, but it is definitely going to be very difficult.

Ange Postecoglou has shed some light on the thinking process behind handing Forrest that long-term extension. As reported by The Scottish Sun, the Celtic manager said about the situation:

"“James has been at this club for a very long time.“If you asked him if he’s ever felt he was guaranteed a spot in this team, or this club didn’t have more than two great wingers, I’d be very, very surprised. I don’t think anything has changed for him.“Yeah, it’s a challenge at the moment getting game time, but the reason we kept him on last year and re-signed him is because I still think there’s value in him.“He’s an experienced guy and he still has the skill-set and temperament to perform at the highest level and he’s training really well.“Through pre-season so far he hasn’t missed a session for us and is working as hard as he can to make sure that when his opportunity comes along, which inevitably it will, he will be ready for it.”"

Forrest explains decision to hand Forrest a long-term contract extension at Celtic

It goes without saying that Forrest is a Celtic legend by this point of time and has already achieved more at this club than most players ever will. Thus, he deserves immense respect for the career that he has had at Parkhead.

But at the same time, it is important to recognise that he is not bringing a lot to this team at this moment, at least on the pitch.

One could argue that his experience is a big factor in handing him a long-term extension as well, after Celtic recently lost two long-time players in the form of Tom Rogic and Nir Bitton.

Now, it remains to be seen if he can get back to top form and make a difference for the Hoops anytime soon.