Former Celt McGarvey echoes fans amazement at Forrest snub

James Forrest’s decision to turn down a new four-year contract would be seen by many as a head scratcher, including Frank McGarvey.

The former Celtic striker has weighed in on the wingers decision to turn down a new long-term deal and believes he is making a very foolish decision.

The 24-year-old never lived up to his potential due to a string of injuries and his decision to turn down a deal that would secure his future has baffled McGarvey.

As quoted by the Glasgow Evening Times , the 59–year-old said:

I’m amazed that he is turning down a four-year deal. Why would he turn that down?

Fair enough if every club in the country is after him but I don’t think that will be the case.

I’m very surprised that he hasn’t bitten Celtic’s hand off and signed that deal because I think he was lucky to be even offered that length of contract.

He’s a player who in the past showed great potential but he’s never really fulfilled it. He’s 24 now, so not a young boy anymore.

He should have grabbed that offer with both hands. Celtic have made him a good deal and at this point in his career I think he should be signing that.

Where is he going to go now? He’s not going to get a club in the English Premier League. And I’m not even sure if he would get a Championship club. So I’m really surprised by this.

McGarvey made 245 appearances in the green and white Hoops and scored 113 goals during a five year period at the club after signing from Liverpool for a Scottish record fee of £250,000.

With Forrest now destined to leave Celtic either in the summer or for free next January, the former Celt believes the space left by him can be easily filled by someone else.

Although injuries have hampered his career until now, the Scottish international hasn’t spent a day on the treatment table this year yet is unable to break into the first-team.

A lack of goals and end product leaves McGarvey feeling like many fans aren’t bothered about his exit from Paradise, and nor is he.

To be honest I don’t think Celtic will be any worse off without him. Celtic have made good buys this year so they are well stocked in those attacking areas.

It’s no longer about Forrest’s potential, he is what he is now. He’s a good player on his day but at a club like Celtic you have to do that consistently.

And because of injuries and whatever else, he hasn’t done that. He was a great player when he first came through but you have to be able to play like that week in, week out. And he doesn’t do that.

Forrest has made 187 appearances for Celtic in his career, scoring 30 goals and has also assisted on 30 occasions.