Lennon wants to make ‘magnificent’

Celtic are set to hand James Forrest the opportunity to become one of the modern game’s few one-club players.

The Scotland internationalist, a graduate of the Celtic Academy, signed a new deal with the Hoops just last autumn to take him to the summer of 2022.

However, his successful reunion with Neil Lennon, his former development coach who gave him his first run in the senior side way back in 2010, has prompted the two men to plot an even longer-term arrangement.

“James is a top, top player, who, from the day I first saw him until now, has been magnificent for the club,” said boss Lennon.

“He’s from a humble background and is a guy who just wants to play football. But he has achieved so much.

“He has been Player of the Year, a trebleTreble winner, played in the Champions League, and was International Player of the Year for Scotland. Year in, year out, he has produced.

“And he still has that desire, the hunger. He wants to extend his contract, which is great.

“Rather than talking about people leaving the club, we’ve got one there who wants to stay. So that’s one we’ll look at.

“I think he’s still got three years left on his deal, but we’ve already talked about an extension. Well, myself and James have!”

As the Celtic manager pointed out, things haven’t always gone smoothly, with the 28-year-old making fewer appearances in the two seasons of 2013-14 and 2014-15 combined than he did in 2018-19.

“I think he got a bit maligned a little bit for a spell or two. But, over the last few seasons, he’s really matured into a topquality player,” Lennon went on.

“He could go and play anywhere. But I’m glad we have him. He’s a brilliant player and I’ve never hidden my admiration for him.

“I had him in the development team and he was the stand-out player back then.

“You could see him as a first-team player within a month or so, with his temperament and ability.

“He’s made the most of it and there’s more to come from him. At 28, he’s at his peak.

“We maybe have to manage him and give him a rest here and there. But, when he