Leigh Griffiths insists Celtic fans can look to James Forrest for inspiration amid the wait for Portuguese winger Jota to sign permanently - as he talks through his own state of play with his former club.
The striker signed a fresh one-year deal at Parkhead last summer as Ange Postecoglou walked in as manager, but he was quickly on his way out, heading to former club Dundee before ending the season at League One side Falkirk.
It was a testing campaign but Griffiths was still on the lookout for his former club's results.
He watched as Jota proved inspirational to their successful Premiership title bid, and now a lengthy wait has gone on to see if that loan move from Benfica is turned permanent. It is largely expected that the deal will eventually come through, but the fact club legend Forrest has penned fresh terms until 2025 should provide confidence.
Despite an injury-hit campaign bringing 32 appearances and four goals with five assists, his former teammate believes almost 200 goal contributions and 444 Hoops outings overall prove there's nothing to fear on the flanks.
It's the striker's hope that Forrest gets back to his best in season 2022/23, as Griffiths says he's still in regular contact with some in Glasgow's east end.
The 31-year-old told the Sunday Mail: “I don’t think the Celtic fans should be panicking over the delay in Jota signing on for next season.
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“James is the main man at the club in the wide areas. Jota had a brilliant season and the fans love him – but James has done it season after season and can be the key player again in the coming campaign.
“He needs to stay injury free but when you see him in training and in full flow he’s incredible. I’m sure boys like Scott Brown and Callum McGregor would back me up when we are asked who is the best player at Celtic?
“Most of his team-mates will say it’s James Forrest. He does things in training that make you stand back and go, ‘Wow.’
I still keep in touch with a lot of the boys. I text Ange whenever Celtic have a big game and he always replies so that’s a good sign.
“My relationship with the club is good, I still go and watch them as a fan and I’m very friendly with the kitman so there’s still plenty of contact. I had eight unbelievable years there and it was so important to me not to leave on bad terms.”
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