Forrest says Celtic should
James Forrest has warned Celtic fans not to write off Mikael Lustig ahead of time.
In what was a generally quiet January transfer window, the Hoops’ recruitment of highly-rated right-back Jeremy Toljan – on loan from the Bundeslia-topping Borussia Dortmund – raised eyebrows.
Lustig, the man in possession of the jersey, is out of contract in the summer.
The club are now exercising their right to run down the clock before deciding whether to take up the option in their favour of keeping him on for another year.
With the Swede now 32, plenty of supporters have speculated the sevenyear-itch might be about work against him, and that boss Brendan Rodgers will look to make a change.
Forrest, one of the handful of Celts who were already on the premises when Lustig arrived from Rosenborg in 2012, argues it would be foolish to overlook the qualities of a man who has 73 caps for his country and has helped his current employers win 14 trophies.
“What Mika has done for Celtic has been top class,” said Forrest.
“He is a top professional, and has been a great player for Sweden at international level, too.
“I think he is still as fit as he has been, and he has been contributing the assists as ever.
“His confidence is high just now, and I think the clean sheets over the last few weeks have helped.
“I don’t know what he is going to do at the end of the season, but I hope he stays.