Celtic player tipped to retire at Parkhead despite exit rumours

The Celtic squad is in an interesting position right now. There are players like Matt O'Riley who look almost certain to leave in the summer. On the other hand, there are superstars like Kyogo and Reo Hatate, who are fantastic but have never found their best form under the management of Brendan Rodgers. And then there are several others who are not playing enough, and did not during Ange Postecoglou's time in the hot seat either.

One player who would fall under that category is James Forrest. Once one of Celtic's most important players, for the past several years, the winger has been stuck on the periphery of the squad.

Still just 32 years of age, Forrest should have plenty of football left in the tank though. Unsurprisingly, he has been linked with a move away in recent times. There were rumours that he turned down offers from England in the winter transfer window.

Despite all the exit rumours. Frank McAvennie has backed Forrest to finish his career at Celtic. As reported by Football Insider, the pundit said:

"I don’t think Forrest would want to leave Celtic.

“He’s been at Celtic for a long time and he’s been on decent money for a long time – I think he’s settled.

“He’s financially secure and it’s his testimonial year so I can’t see him going.

“He can still do a job for Celtic coming on from the bench and he’s the kind of player you want at your disposal, which is huge for Brendan.

“You have to offload players but I think you know what you get with James.

“I think he will finish his career at Celtic."

Celtic player tipped to retire at Parkhead despite exit rumours

Forrest is not offering a lot on the pitch at this point in time. At most, he is brought on as a substitute here and there.

That being said, one cannot downplay the importance of having someone around with his experience. Forrest has pretty much seen it all and done it all at Parkhead. He came through the youth ranks, has been a first-team player since the 2009/10 season and never played for another club.

You simply cannot replace that experience of Celtic and the Scottish game. So, there is certainly a ton of upside to having someone like Forrest around, even if he is not playing much. Will he retire at the club? Time shall tell.