Ange Postecoglou in James Forrest Celtic rave review as he explains what winger had been missing before Livingston star turn

Ange Postecoglou reckons Celtic will need proven winners such as James Forrest as they charge into the title run-in.

The attacker moved to within four of the 100 club goal mark to help his team leather Livingston and race three points clear at the top of the Premiership.

Forrest has struggled for regular game-time this term, but the 30-year-old retains vital trophy-winning experience.

And, having seen him score for a 13th consecutive campaign in Scotland’s top-flight, Postecoglou feels his winger’s nous and ability will be key to the group in the coming weeks.

He said: “James has had a tough time, but I see him every day. That is how I make my assessments and he has worked really hard in training.

“It is not easy when you don’t get a run of games, but the quality he has has always been there.

“I have had to be patient for when I can throw him in because I know he can certainly help us.

“James is one of the more experienced ones and he can definitely help us.

“He is a winner, you know. We are going to need those types.

“I don’t know if he was lacking in confidence. He maybe lacked a little bit of rhythm and that spark you need when you are an attacking player, but he is an experienced guy and he knew what he had to do and he played his role very well. He and Jota really set the tone.”

Postecoglou had stand-oust across the pitch. Daizen Maeda bagged his fifth Celtic goal to set the team on their way and Nir Bitton stepped into the line-up to perform stylishly.

The manager said: “I get that strikers are measured by goals, but what he (Maeda) brings to our team is well beyond that.

“But it is great for him because strikers also enjoy scoring. His defensive work was outstanding. That really helps us and sets the