"Brilliant" Celtic ace with 6 Old Firm goals now set to return vs Rangers

As Celtic go in pursuit of adding insult to injury against a Rangers side they have blown away in the Scottish Premiership this season, one key man is set to return from injury.

Celtic team news confirmed for Old Firm derby

Currently sat as many as 16 points clear of the Gers in Scotland’s top flight, Celtic are set to be crowned champions once again to make it two from two for Brendan Rodgers in his second stint in charge of the Bhoys. With the Old Firm clash up next too, they have the chance to turn 16 into 19 and deal their rivals another frustrating blow.

Entering the derby off the back of eliminating Fenerbahce from the Europa League and reaching the last eight, Rangers will have a point to prove up against Celtic, however, who will still need to be at their best.

With that said, one particular piece of injury news has certainly arrived at the perfect time in pursuit of victory. As confirmed by Brendan Rodgers, James Forrest is now set to return from injury against Rangers this Sunday.

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This would be a big setback for Brendan Rodgers.

Rodgers told reporters when asked about team news: “How’s the squad? Yeah, all good. We’ve had a good week, so one more day to go. One or two we are just assessing. Callum (McGregor), obviously he’s had a similar week to last week, and we’ll make a decision on him tomorrow.

“Obviously, James Forrest is back in the squad, which is really good. Paulo Bernardo is still a little bit away. Liam Scales, he’s obviously had an issue with his cheekbones, so we’re just waiting to finalise whether he needs an operation or not. So he will be doubtful for the game, but apart from that, it’s the same squad.”

“Brilliant” Forrest returning at perfect time

One of the most experienced players that Rodgers has to pick from and a modern-day Celtic legend with 12 Scottish Premiership titles to his name, Forrest’s return comes at the perfect time. The 33-year-old will be relieved to be back in time to face Rangers too, having scored six Old Firm derby goals during his time at Celtic Park.

Rodgers needs no reminder of the winger’s quality, either, having been full of praise when asked about Forrest last season – telling reporters: “He’s been a brilliant servant of the club.

“And of course, it’s probably been difficult for him the last couple of years, not playing maybe as much as he wants. But I’ve always said in terms of quality and wing-play, he’s our best winger.”

Almost into the final year of his contract, Forrest looks destined to add at least one more title to his name before perhaps retaining that crown in his final campaign at Celtic next season.