Celtic hero James Forrest's career could have been very different amid interest from Tottenham over a decade ago.

This is according to former SFA performance director Mark Wotte, who has claimed the Premier League outfit were interested in the winger.

The Scotland international recently scored his 100th goal for the Hoops during the 6-1 rout of Hibs, but at one time, he could have been set for a move down south.

However, the 61-year-old Dutchman is glad that Forrest decided to stay at Parkhead during his earlier years, as he feels this allowed him to develop his career.

Speaking to The Scottish Sun, he said: “I stressed that he shouldn’t go to England. I worried if he’d gone aged 20, 21, then he wouldn’t get many games to develop himself.

"I felt certain he was better staying at Celtic — playing regularly, enjoying trophy success and also getting selected for the Scotland national team.

"I was proved right. But I also have to admit that I had a conversation with Daniel Levy at the time.

“Spurs were watching James and he asked me for my opinion of him.

“I was clear to Daniel, someone I know well, that James was a brilliant young talent and was worth trying to buy.

"All I can say now is that I’m delighted with how things have worked out for him over the last ten years."

The Dutchman also made clear how big a fan he is of the 31-year-old and that, from a young age, he could see how talented he was.

"It’s incredible what’s happened for him with Celtic and Scotland since — and he deserves so much credit," he continued.

“Of course, I’m not surprised because I genuinely felt sure he had the right attitude and the ability to do very well in the game.

“There are other aspects you can’t be sure of with any young talent, other things need to fall into place.

"Like a manager believing in him, continuing to select him, not just always buying players ahead of him.

"James, thankfully, has convinced every Celtic coach over the last ten years of his worth.”