Neil Lennon has admitted that he can’t hold James Forrest back any longer.
The 19-year-old had been expected to be in and out of the Celtic side this season but has forced himself into becoming a first pick.
Forrest picked up the Young Player of the Month award for August- with Lennon in full agreement with that decision.
The Celtic boss told channel 67: “I’m always worried about playing James but he just keeps on playing brilliantly for me. He’s been brilliant for a year and a half now for the reserves and now the first team.
“I’m delighted that he got his award and the impact that he’s brought to the team with his pace and ability to eliminate people.
“It’s all of the qualities that we know he has and he’s taking them onto the big stage. He’s only 19 and we’re hoping that there is a lot more to come.
“I knew James’ ability but Celtic is a huge club with a high expectation level. James suits the club, he has style and is an entertainer.
“I don’t want to go on and on about him, I’ve said a lot about him and don’t want to build him up too much. I want him to progress and he’s doing everything that we ask of him.”
Prestwick bhoy Forrest will return to Ayrshire on Sunday for Celtic’s clash with Kilmarnock who go into the game on the back of impressive wins over Aberdeen and St Mirren.
With the exception of the injured Andreas Hinkel Lennon has had a full squad to work with this week and is looking forward to the trip to Kimarnock.
He added: “I always enjoy going to Kilmarnock, we’ve got a decent record there. We won a couple of titles at the ground but lost one there as well.
“Mixu (Paatelainen) has done very well, he’s brought in some new faces and by all accounts have been playing very well recently.
“He puts a bit of discipline into a team but allows them freedom to play so if anything I think it could be an open game on Sunday.”
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