Kayal always knew Forrest was top talent

McLeish insists quitting never crossed his mind and

BERAM Kayal always knew James Forrest had what it takes to be a Celtic and Scotland great. He just hoped his former team-mate wouldn’t prove it against his home country.

As the Brighton midfielder offered his old pal a high five at Hampden on Tuesday night, he also insisted the 27-year-old – having suddenly discovered his scoring touch for his country with five goals in the last two games – is ready to blossom on the big stage.

Parkhead regulars under Neil Lennon, Kayal (Below) was privileged to witness Forrest’s coming of age.

“I have known him a long time,” said the Israeli. “He is a great guy, and was a great player and even back then, when he was just beginning, you could see the quality he possessed.

“I knew, 100 per cent, that he would become a top, top player. His attitude was always the best,” he added. “I knew he would be one of the great players for Scotland.

“When I was there he had a few injuries that kept him out, but under the manager at Celtic he has been given a run of games and over the last few seasons he has shown what he’s capable of.

“He’s now taken that onto the international stage and he will only get better.

“Unfortunately for us, James was on fire.

“Before the game we knew how good he was, I had spoken to the team about him too.”

And Kayal confessed that, despite leaving for Brighton nearly four years ago, the Parkhead club still hold a special place in his heart.

“I am a Celtic fan for life,” he said. “I got a great welcome in Glasgow and the experience will stay with me.”