The 'mad' Celtic stats for James Forrest that left Matt O'Riley stunned as he demands more respect for winger

Matt O’Riley reckons Celtic’s Mr Nice Guy James Forrest doesn’t get the credit he deserves for a blockbuster Parkhead career.

Wide man Forrest has sparked into life late in the season and his recent displays have helped fire the Hoops into pole position in the Premiership. The 32-year-old has spent long spells this year on the sidelines but answered a recent SOS from boss Brendan Rodgers and has repaid his gaffer with interest.

Forrest struck a stunner in the Scottish Cup semi-final win against Aberdeen and backed it up with a deadly double in the crucial league win at Dundee. The wide man was handed a start in Saturday’s 3-0 stroll against Hearts and produced another impressive display to send Celtic into this weekend’s Old Firm showdown on a high. Forrest’s recent performances have received rave reviews and it’s set the attacker up for the chance to add to his incredible medal haul.

The academy product has won 22 major trophies with Celts – level with former teammate Scott Brown and just one behind club legend Billy McNeill. He’s also bang in the frame to be handed a major role in this weekend’s Old Firm showdown at Celtic Park as Brendan Rodgers’s men look to take a massive step towards the title.

O’Riley – who narrowly missed out on the PFA Scotland player of the year award at the weekend – is adamant Forrest doesn’t quite get the respect he deserves. But the Hoops hero certainly gets it from his Parkhead pals.

O’Riley said: “It’s pretty mad how much he’s won. He’s just such a really nice guy as well which is the most important thing. He’s just so down to earth. Even when he wasn’t playing regularly at the start of the season, he was still such a nice guy at the training ground. He was a nice guy to be around,