Brendan Rodgers won't throw Celtic hero Forrest 'in the garbage' as he drops training revelation fans won't believe

Brendan Rodgers is in no hurry to send James Forrest to the scrap heap – because the Hoops ace is the one man in his squad who can give speed merchant Daizen Maeda a run for his money.

The Parkhead gaffer knows there are some critics who are quick to dismiss the long-serving club stalwart amid the constant craving for new faces. Rodgers turned to Forrest at the weekend as his side chased a winner at Easter Road. The wide man almost got one, with a late volley smashing off the bar, before Celtic had to settle for the draw.

Rodgers knows Forrest will have a big part to play with the games coming thick and fast and he revealed just who quick the veteran can still shift. He said: “Listen, we understand the modern world and the want for shiny new things. But I’m not going to throw guys to the garbage who I know are still very, very good players and who can make an impact for us. And James came in and did really well. He is 32 but we did tests the other week and he’s still my quickest winger.

“He’s up there with Daizen Maeda, believe it or not, in terms of sheer speed. He might not be able to do it as much, or for prolonged periods of the game. But his actual football is still outstanding – and he can come in and impart the game.

“I think every game he’s had he’s been able to do that, whether he’s started or come off the bench. He could arguably have got the winner for us at the weekend.”

Rodgers knows what he gets from Forrest but it’s a slightly different situation for Mikey Johnston. Plenty of fans thought the winger was on his way in the summer but he returned to the side in Edinburgh for the first time in 18 months and the ball is now in his court.

Rodgers said: “Mikey is an interesting one. I played him here when he