Forrest is fired up by the return of Roberts

SO far this season, James Forrest has been a go-to guy for Brendan Rodgers. Whether operating in his regular role on the right flank or plugging a striker gap, the 26-year-old has started every one of Celtic’s Premiership and Champions League outings. Gordon Strachan has shown equal faith in his abilities. Forrest was a key part of the double-header against Lithuania and Malta that has revived Scotland’s World Cup hopes. His influence for club and country is clear. Now, however, he faces a threat to that ubiquity. The return of Patrick Roberts to Parkhead on another season-long loan presents a very obvious challenge in terms of maintaining a starting place. Forrest (below) is ready to meet it head on. Adamant he is happy to see Roberts restored to the squad, he believes the competition will drive both players to produce their best. ‘It is good to have him back,’ said Forrest. ‘At a massive club like Celtic, they are always looking to strengthen the team — and with the amount of games we play, you are always going to need a lot of players in the squad. ‘There was good competition last year and it will be the same this year. ‘The first half of last season, and maybe the next part after as well, was really good for me. Maybe the last four or five weeks wasn’t the best. ‘But we’ve started off really well again this season, we have got into the Champions League and we just want to keep on being positive.’ Before Paris Saint-Germain visit Celtic Park next Tuesday, Rodgers’ side face a trip to Hamilton’s artificial surface tomorrow evening. ‘The league is the bread and butter, so we need to do our job on Friday night,’ said Forrest. ‘Then it is the Champions League and every one of the boys is looking forward to the match. The fans are going to be right behind us. Everybody is buzzing for it.’