Chris Sutton hails ‘under-appreciated’ performer stepping up for Celtic

As Celtic approaches the Business end of the season, the 2-1 win over Dundee yesterday keeps their three-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership intact.

The win was scrappy, untidy and not the best to watch, but at this stage of the season, all that matters is that Celtic pick up the three points from a tough away venue and look forward to the next fixture.

And whilst the fans pick over the bones of another far-from-vintage performance, a big call made by Brendan Rodgers to start James Forrest, really paid off. And the legendary winger has a huge fan in Chris Sutton.

Sutton praises ‘trustworthy’ Celtic legend

Forrest has been in and out of not just the Celtic team, but also the matchday squad this season.

With Rodgers seemingly preferring Hyunjun Yang and Luis Palma, the legendary winger got his opportunity at Hampden last week in the Scottish Cup and, it’s fair to say, he took it.

His reward for his Aberdeen performance was a starting spot against Dundee and he repaid his manager with two superbly taken goals for his Celtic manager.

And as he was subbed off at Dens Park, Sutton said Forrest is under-appreciated at the club.

Sutton said [Sky Sports], “It’s interesting with the wingers this season at Celtic. They were so reliable under Postecoglou with Jota, Abada and Maeda.

“And there’s uncertainty with the position.

“I think he’s been such a brilliant player, I really do.

“I think, in some ways, under-appreciated. He’s trustworthy and reliable.”

Forrest has now made 491 appearances for Celtic scoring 108 goals and creating a further 102. [Transfermarkt]

His Dens Park double takes the winger to six goals for the season but those six have been crucial to Rodgers’ bid to retain the title and Scottish Cup.

With just four Games left of the Scottish Premiership season left and Hearts and Rangers to come to Celtic Park, Forrest will undoubtedly play some part in both those fixtures to ensure that the title race suffers no more hiccups as we head into the home stretch.