Celtic are set to extend the stays of Leigh Griffiths and James Forrest at Celtic Park. Brendan Rodgers recently indicated that the duo is close to finalising new deals. Leigh Griffiths’ current contract is set to run until 2021, but Rodgers is impressed with the 28-year-old striker, who has today put pen to paper on an improved contract. On the other hand, James Forrest had entered the final year of his contract with the club and getting him a new deal was imperative, as he has established himself as a first team regular at the club.
Rodgers shared the good news regarding the contract situation earlier this week. He said,”He (Griffiths) clearly wants to be here, we want him to be here, so that will be good news. We think that is not too far away. James (Forrest) and his people will be speaking with the club and likewise a player we would love to extend here because he has been absolutely brilliant in my time here.”
Griffiths recently touched the 100 goal mark at Celtic, and the manager would want him to step up now, in the absence of Mousa Dembele up top. The striker has represented Celtic 192 times, and along with his goals, he has set up 44 for his team-mates which takes his direct goal contribution tally to 144 in 192 games.
The striker was often used off the bench as Rodgers preferred the likes of Moussa Dembele and Odsonne Edouard over him in the past. This makes his numbers even more impressive. This season, he is going to compete for a first-team spot with just Edouard, who has been impressive so far. Rodgers would be happy that Griffiths is willing to stay at the club even though he might not be the first choice.
Securing a long-term deal for Forrest will be heartening for the Hoops fan as the 27-year-old has come up from Celtic’s academy and has slowly made the right flank spot his own. He has already contributed with two goals and six assists this season and his form promises one of the best seasons of his career at Park Head.
Securing a new deal for these two is a step in the right direction from Rodgers. Along with them, club captain Scott Brown is also set to get a new deal even though he will turn 34 soon. All three players are set to play a crucial role in the side this season as the Hoops would want to continue their domination in the Scottish Premiership.
