Pundit Outlines Intriguing James Forrest Champions League Theory

Scottish Football pundit Michael Stewart thinks Celtic winger James Forrest could be set to start for the Bhoys against Slovan Bratislava tomorrow night.

The Hoops welcome the Slovakian champions to Parkhead on matchday one of the newly formatted UEFA Champions League.

Brendan Rodgers’ men will aim to get off to the perfect start and get three points on the board early on.

With a fully fit squad to pick from, gaffer Rodgers does have a few selection dileMMAs ahead of the match.

Arne Engels displaced Paulo Bernardo in the team at the weekend and stood out, but the Portuguese midfielder’s running power is always useful on the European stage.

Out wide, Stewart believes Rodgers has another headache. Although Nicolas Kuhn has started the season on fire and once more looked effective at the weekend, the ex-Hibs and Hearts man reckons Forrest could still get the nod.

The veteran winger came off the bench to assist Luke McCowan against Hearts on Saturday, and Stewart thinks he was maybe being rested.

“For me, James Forrest, I still think he’s the best [winger at Celtic],” he said (The Scottish Football Social Club).

“I wonder whether he was rested at the weekend because he’ll be starting against Slovan Bratislava.”

It would be admittedly surprising to see Forrest get the nod tomorrow night, especially given how lively Kuhn has been already this term.

The 33-year-old, though, knows how to handle big occasions and remain effective.

Forrest’s experience would be useful, but he is more likely to be introduced as an impact substitute in the second half.