Celtic player admits he feared Parkhead career was over

The Celtic team has changed quite a bit since Ange Postecoglou was replaced as manager by Brendan Rodgers last year. The Northern Irishman returned for a second spell as Parkhead boss after the Australian departed for Tottenham Hotspur. And unsurprsingly, he has come with his own ideas, many of which have proven successful.

One of those changes is the return of James Forrest back into the first-team fold. For a while, the Scottish winger was not playing much football for the Hoops and many even questioned why he had been handed a contract extension.

Rodgers relied on Forrest towards the end of last season though and the Celtic legend delivered. For a brief period, he was even successful in establishing himself as a starter again.

This season, Forrest finds himself playing a role primarily off the bench and he has been impactful in that. According to stats from Transfermarkt, he has provided 4 assists so far in this campaign.

Celtic player admits he feared Parkhead career was over

Forrest's current contract runs out at the end of this season but right now, the winger is not worrying about it. Instead, he seems to be focused on enjoying his football, having become a regular contributor again after a few years on the sidelines providing just a veteran presence. As reported by The Herald, he said:

"During that spell when I wasn’t involved in the team, I was maybe wondering if I’d ever play for Celtic again. So now it’s a case of not taking anything for granted. You look at the end of last season, being involved, winning the league and the Scottish Cup. Even going away in pre-season again was great.

“I’m not saying it’s a second chance, but you maybe felt like you might be done. I think that’s why I am really enjoying it. Is it a case of soaking it up? Absolutely, 100 per cent. That spell out, I’ve probably never had that in my career before. I was thinking, If you get back in, just make sure you really enjoy it and take it in’."

Probably a year ago, out thoughts on this would have been different but right now, Celtic must make sure that they agree an extension with Forrest. He bring too much to the table, on and off the pitch.

Forrest has shown that he can still make an impact. On the other hand, his experience is something that Celtic simply cannot replace. He has seen it all and done it all at Parkhead. The club need players like that around. Also, he seems to have put his injury issues behind him.