Celtic boss Neil Lennon believes The Hoops’ chaotic season may have been seen in a more positive light had James Forrest been able to play a major role in rescuing their faltering campaign.
The Scotland international winger returned to training earlier this week after more than four months on the sidelines with an ankle injury suffered in a European qualifier against Latvian outfit FC Riga.
The 29-year-old surpassed the 15-goal mark in each of his last three seasons, during which time the Parkhead side held a vice-like grip on Scottish football’s silverware.
But his influence has been missed on the Celtic squad this season as Lennon’s men find themselves 18 points off leaders Rangers at the Scottish Premiership’s summit and out of the Betfred Cup at the first stage.
Scotland boss Steve Clarke is likely to join Forrest’s club boss in welcoming him back into regular first team action with open arms as he prepares to name his squad for the national side’s return to the international tournament stage for the first time in 23 years.
And Lennon is in no doubt that Celtic’s transitional season would have had more of a sheen to it had Forrest taken on a major role.
"Absolutely, no question,” Lennon said when asked about how the campaign may have panned out had the wide man been available.
“We have missed him, there's no question of that. Any team would miss a player of that quality. His contribution to this club has been unbelievable.
"Before the lockdown last year he was up to 16 goals. He probably had as many assists as well. He's been doing that consistently for the best part of six or seven years.”
“He's one of those kids who doesn't go on social media, doesn't court public opinion. He’s a bit like Callum McGregor. They just come in and play football, they're natural born footballers.”
A heavy challenge in the Latvian capital left Forrest with a fractured ankle and months of gruelling rehabilitation in prospect.
But with that part of his recovery completed, Lennon did hint the winger could make a comeback to the first team on Sunday when Celtic go to St Johnstone to chase four wins on the spin.
"He was training Monday and Tuesday and he went to see a specialist on Wednesday,” he said. “We were hoping for the all-clear. We may have him in the squad for the weekend.
“He just loves playing football. He will have been missing playing more than anyone. We have missed him around the place and certainly missed him on the pitch so it's great to have him back."
