Brendan Rodgers warns clubs to keep their hands off James Forrest | OneFootball

Less than two months ago, James Forrest put pen-to-paper on a new Celtic deal that will keep him under contract until 2022.

Despite appearing 316 times for Celtic, where he has provided 64 goals and 62 assists, Brendan Rodgers insists that clubs around the world are finally giving him the attention he deserves after witnessing his five-goal display over Scotland’s last two Nations League matches.

However, Rodgers says that his star midfielder doesn’t want to go anywhere.

“I think there will be interest but it’s not as if he’s just popped up out of nowhere,’ said the Celtic manager.

“James has been on the scene for a while now, played a lot of games and had big experiences.

“I’ve got no doubt, having worked in the Premier League, that he can play at that level. Absolutely 100 per cent, there would be no problems there.

“Some teams down there are playing one game a week where you can recover and rest. So James would thrive, no question.

“But I’ve never, ever seen one glimmer of him wanting to be outside of Celtic. He’s just signed a new deal, too.

“At the time when I first came in and we had the chat there was a couple of things around him – but all he wanted was a bit of reassurance and a sense of feeling valued.

“There’s never been a notion that he’s anywhere happier than here.

“He’s obviously had a great couple of years and signed another deal. I think he’s one who strategically values the worth of himself as a player and now people are really seeing that, not just with Celtic.”

Rodgers said that if Forrest stays, he could become a club legend by the end of his career.

“He could end up one of the most decorated Celtic players of all time. He’s already in the top-10 in terms of trophies and he’s got more to win.

“He’s a brilliant asset for the club and he really is a joy to watch.”