Brendan Rodgers insists James Forrest still has a big future at Celtic, despite game time being limited last term.
The Scotland international struggled to cement a starting spot under the leadership of Ange Postecoglou during his time in Glasgow, but injuries last term also didn't help the 31-year-old.
Speculation has surrounded Forrest's future heading into the summer, but new boss Rodgers insists the winger has a part to play in his second spell as Parkhead manager.
Asked if Forrest has a future at Parkhead he responded: “Yes. James is at the stage of his career where it’s slightly different. For him, it’s all about staying fit now.
“He was such an important player in the squad last time and he was a great guy to work with. I’m looking forward to seeing him again.
“It’s been a challenge for him, but I’ve seen snippets of him where, when he’s fit and ready, he is a fantastic player for Celtic.”
Rodgers is adamant Celtic are getting a better manager this time round than the one that won all seven domestic trophies available to him during his previous spell in Scotland.
The Northern Irishman returned to Parkhead on Monday, almost four and a half years after he left to take charge of Leicester.
In his time at the Foxes, he oversaw FA Cup glory in 2021 and back-to-back fifth-place finishes in the Premier League before things unravelled in his closing season, culminating in his sacking in April as they spiralled towards relegation.
Rodgers explained that his football philosophy remains largely unchanged since he was previously at Celtic but he feels he is returning as a more astute operator overall.
“In terms of how we play my teams always play with an attacking philosophy,” he said. “We always set out to win. That’s never changed. When my teams are at their best that’s what they do.
“I am a better manager than when I sat here seven years ago (at the start of his first spell) and certainly than four years ago.
“Experiences good and bad always help you, and that was the beauty of coming back here. It’s an amazing club and hopefully we can continue moving forward.”
