Celtic winger James Forrest is poised to return to training next week after almost four months on the sidelines as he battles back from a severe ankle injury.
The 29-year-old was clattered in The Hoops’ Europa League qualifying win over FC Riga in September when it was discovered he had fractured his ankle and would miss a significant period.
In his absence, Celtic’s season has crumbled with the side now 23 points behind rivals Rangers at the Scottish Premiership’s summit, out of European competition and in need of a complete summer rebuild.
But Forrest’s return could offer hope to the Parkhead faithful and Scotland boss Steve Clarke, as he mulls over his squad for his national side’s return to the major tournament scene for the first time since 1998.
While no date has yet been agreed for his return, manager Neil Lennon is optimistic the winger will make an appearance towards the end of the campaign and confirmed he could train with the rest of the first team squad at the club's Lennoxtown base from Monday.
And the Celtic boss is determined Forrest can pick up where he left off, after netting more than 15 goals in each of his last three seasons.
He said: “We’re hoping Jamsey will start back training with the squad at the start of next week. Fingers crossed on that.
“He’s been out on the grass doing his rehab fitness work and the physios are confident he’ll be ready to join back in next week.
“We’ve missed him because he’s a quality player. He’s proved that over the years, time and again, and been so successful.”
Lennon added: “He had another magnificent season last year and started this season well again.
“But, unfortunately for him, he got a really bad injury and he’s had to be patient and go through all the right steps. But he’s nearly there now and he’ll be welcomed back.”
