Gary Mackay-Steven has insisted that James Forrest is a big player for Celtic and he wants his fellow winger to remain at the club.

The 24-year-old, whose present contract with the Hoops is set to expire in the summer, refused to sign a new four-year deal offered by the Scottish champions recently, thus putting Queens Park Rangers and Norwich City on high alert.




Forrest has been sparingly used by Ronny Deila in recent games, with the Scotland international making just one start in Celtic’s last 11 games in all competitions.

The lack of playing time, coupled with the Bhoys’ plethora of talent on offer in midfield and on the wings may prompt Forrest to quit Celtic Park at the end of the season.
 


But Mackay-Stevens, who rates Forrest highly, is hopeful about his team-mate remaining at Celtic beyond the season.

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“I’ve not really spoken to him about it, I don’t know all the ins and outs about it but I know James is a player”, Mackay-Stevens said at a press conference.

“He’s a great player for us and hopefully he can stay here because I think he’s a big player for us.

“Certainly he’s great to have around the place.”

Forrest, who has progressed through Celtic’s youth ranks, has thus far amassed 187 appearances for the club, scoring 30 times and providing 28 assists.