To say that Celtic winger James Forrest is a divisive figure among the fanbase would be an understatement. Despite his goal record, there are times where he drifts out of games, leaving many to question his overall contribution to the team.
His performance against Hamilton on Saturday was a case in point. The 28-year-old was not having one of his best games before popping up with the fourth goal in the 4-1 win.
Supporters on Twitter have once again been debating Forrest’s performances:
I can't believe he's getting abuse! We'd be lost without this man, not to mention the fact that the board certainly wouldn't/couldn't buy a replacement of his quality!
— Mark (@Mark16402261) 2 February 2020
But surely one of the most frustrating players to watch??
— docs (@docccs) 2 February 2020
Underrated under appreciated… This is what being a celt is all about… James forrest homegrown hero and legend
— JT????????? (@crazybeard11) 2 February 2020
Just remember every game he plays on the left he's been outstanding. The trouble is he's spent half the season on the right to accommodate others. Took Sutton long enough to notice. It's been driving me crazy all year. In the past some criticism has been deserved but not recently
— Mark Ireland (@mni316) 2 February 2020
He went up a level under Rodgers, he cut out that ridiculous shooting with the outside of his right boot along with other bad habits he carried for a few years, different player now.
— Paul (@fudpucker74) 2 February 2020
for a winger he rarely takes on and beats a man , his game is the 1 – 2
— stuart mckay (@malky67) 2 February 2020
A dont get the criticism this guy comes in for yes he's not at his best always but no one can be maybe he's a victim of his own success in some way he's scored some pivotal goals for us and his goals ratio must be good for a winger
— Thomas (@sayitasicit1) 2 February 2020
Yep, very frustrating player at times but you cant argue with his record so far….
— GG???????????????? (@ggray1888) 2 February 2020
He was having a bad spell and I’m happy that Lenny let him play through it, he wasn’t hiding when moving inside he was trying to free up space for Frimpon to use
— Stephen Fallon (@sffallon1) 2 February 2020
I will admit I have gave him stick on the occasions he has completely disappeared, but it's more out of frustration because we all no exactly what he is capable of.
— scott McIntyre (@scottMc85081322) 2 February 2020
Forrest now has 16 goals and 18 assists in 38 appearances; figures which would deserve a lot of praise if he were playing in any other team, but the standards are very high at Celtic.
Some fans feel that he is a flat-track bully who doesn’t turn up for the big games like the Old Firm derbies. However, you have to temper any criticism by considering his goals and assists have played a crucial part in why the Hoops sit seven points clear at the top of the Premiership table at the moment.