Brendan Rodgers isn’t in the slightest way surprised that English clubs have woken up to James Forrest- wisely the hoops recently got the winger signed up onto a new four year contract.
Five goals during the international break certainly got the winger noticed- especially on the back of his devastating performance against RB Leipzig in the Europa League.
Demonstrating a sure foot in front of goal to add to his pace and dribbling ability makes Forrest a rarity in the modern game where either skill-set is heavily in demand.
Some pundits ranging from Ian Moose Abrahams to Kris Commons have questioned whether the Celtic winger could cut it against sides like Burnley, Huddersfield and Brighton.
Rodgers has managed at the highest level in England and has no doubt that Forrest could cut it against the best paid defenders in the game.
“I think there will be some interest, but it’s not as if he’s just popped up out of nowhere,” the Celtic boss told The Sun.
“James has been on the scene for a while. He’s played a lot of games and had big experiences.
“I’ve no doubt, having worked in the Premier League, that he can play at that level. Absolutely 100 per cent. There would be no problems there.
“Some teams down there are playing one game a week where you can recover and rest. So James would thrive, no question.”
Forrest came through the ranks at Celtic, making his debut in April 2010 against Motherwell when Neil Lennon was the caretaker manager.