Hoops boss tips Forrest to get better and better

CELTIC: Dedication to improving his game paying off, says Brendan Rodgers

Scotland hero James Forrest is going to get better and better as he continues to get himself into goalscoring positions, according to Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers.

Forrest’s five-goal contribution to Nations League wins over Albania and Israel were a culmination of Rodgers’ attempts to get the winger into more central positions.

The 27-year-old has been rejuvenated since Rodgers arrived at Parkhead in 2016 and the Celtic boss feels the adulation Forrest received following his Hampden hat-trick on Tuesday was just reward for his dedication to improving.

The winger has now scored 12 goals in his last 11 matches for club and country.

“I think he is just getting into areas quicker in terms of effecting the game,” Rodgers said.

“He is obviously known as a winger and you saw James a lot as a young player taking the ball outside and crossing it, and creating a lot of goals.

“We have always tried to get him on the inside and running in between and getting into the box more because that’s your job: to create and score goals.

“The goals he has scored for us, he is getting better and better at that for Celtic. We have said that to him, you will be judged on your numbers of what you create and score as well as your work ethic for the team.

“He is just getting better and better. He has gained confidence from scoring goals from getting in the areas to score, and he’s producing it at the very highest level.

“He has really natural attributes for international level where he’s quick, got great technique.

“He is a wonderful technician.

“You saw his goals over the course of the two games, his touch and finish, he makes it look simple but none of them were simple.

“He is thoroughly deserving of it.” Meanwhile, Rodgers has reiterated that captain Scott Brown will be given time to consider his future beyond the end of the season.

Australian football agent Lou Sticca recently confirmed he wants the 33-year-old to join his Western Melbourne outfit if they succeed in joining the A-League, while MLS sides Sporting Kansas City and Minnesota United have also been credited with interest.

“If anyone has deserved time to make a decision, it’s Scott,” Rodgers said.

Brown is back in training following injury along with Olivier Ntcham and Leigh Griffiths, who Rodgers said was looking “fit and strong”.

Picture: SNS. James Forrest has been rejuvenated since Brendan Rodgers arrived at Parkhead in 2016.