According to former Celtic player Chris Sutton, there is a belief that Celtic could be getting more from their wingers in the decisive final stages of the season. The exits of Jota and Liel Abada in the last year have left a notable gap in quality on the wings for the manager to contend with. Despite several signings being brought in to address this issue, no one has truly emerged as the standout performer in those wide positions thus far.
While Luis Palma showed promise earlier in the season, his form has dipped recently, and Nicolas Kuhn is still acclimating to the demands of playing for Celtic. Hyunjun Yang has displayed glimpses of his talent but has struggled to consistently make a significant impact on the pitch. With Daizen Maeda slowly returning from injury, the pressure is on the wingers to step up and contribute more effectively.
The recent standout performance of James Forrest as a substitute in the Scottish Cup semi-final has raised hopes that the experienced winger could play a crucial role in the remaining six games of the season. Despite being underrated by some Celtic fans, Forrest has proven himself as a player who can deliver in big moments.
Sutton highlighted that while Forrest has been praised by manager Brendan Rodgers as the best wideman this season, his playing time has been inconsistent. At 32 years old, Forrest still has much to offer and could be a key asset for Celtic in the final stretch of the campaign.
It is anticipated that Forrest will be included in the starting lineup for the upcoming match against Dundee, likely to be paired with Kuhn, who has shown promise of late. This combination offers the opportunity for Yang and Palma to make an impact coming off the bench if needed, providing them with a potentially more favorable situation to showcase their abilities and make a difference in the game. Sutton believes in Forrest’s experience and ability to influence crucial matches, and his presence could be vital in Celtic’s pursuit of success in the final games of the season.
