Ex-Celtic striker Chris Sutton believes the return to fitness of winger James Forrest comes at a vital time for manager Ange Postecoglou.

The Scotland international has not played since the Premier Sports Cup clash against Hearts back in August but he is close to making his comeback, with Sutton claiming the 30-year-old could prove to be a massive asset if he can stay available:

“Postecoglou has had to deal with a nightmare with injuries and so on but they are starting to ease now and there will be more competition for places. James Forrest should be available soon, so it will be interesting to see where he fits in to the side. He’s been a club stalwart for years and he’s been a huge miss over the last year or so.”

Forrest spent most of last season out with an ankle injury, and it was hoped that he could turn over a new leaf this campaign with regards to his fitness, but he has already missed 10 games.

As Sutton points out, the winger’s experience could prove crucial, and he usually offers a great deal in terms of goals and assists. Going by Postecoglou’s comments in his pre-match press conference yesterday, Forrest is not expected to feature against Motherwell this afternoon but he is very close to returning.