Celtic have had many players in their ranks that stayed at the club and could have gone on to play at the highest level.
You only have to look at the likes of the current captain, Callum McGregor. The 30-year-old midfielder has been a superb player for the club over the years and, in the Champions League, does not look out of place amongst some of Europe’s big guns.
Scott Brown was another who could have went down south and mixed it up with the big boys in England. However, it was the ‘wonderful‘ James Forrest that Tam McManus told that when he was at his peak, he could have enjoyed a career in the English Premier League.
McManus said [PLZ Soccer], “When he was at the peak of his powers he could have went to England. He could have played in the Premier League for sure.
“I think he’s been a brilliant servant for Celtic and his trophy cabinet must be bulging. He’s won everything there and has won plenty of caps for Scotland as well.
“So, a great career. He’s still got a bit to offer coming off the bench. He looked sharp at the weekend.”
Forrest’s pace and power was a real asset to Celtic when he was in his heyday. During the Invincibles season under Brendan Rodgers, the Scotland winger scored eight goals and created 13.
The following season, he was immense. In 58 appearances Forrest netted 17 and created ten as Celtic sealed the Double Treble.
The Treble Treble season was even better. 16 goals and 23 assists made Forrest undroppable at Celtic and his stock could not have been any higher. [Transfermarkt]
In those three seasons alone, Forrest was producing on the domestic, European and international scene as the 38-capped Scotland star became the best player in the country.
Forrest would have been a star in the EPL but the Celtic fans will just be grateful that he stuck around for as long as he has because without him, they possibly wouldn’t have enjoyed as much success as they have seen over the last ten years.
In other news, ‘Brilliant’ Celtic player has a genuine chance of starting vs Atletico tonight, he could be crucial