James Forrest has revealed the only time he considered a Celtic transfer exit - and it was before Brendan Rodgers' first appointment.

The Parkhead hero, 32, has earned a testimonial at Celtic for his trophy-laden spell, but has admitted he could have left the club in 2016.

However, he didn't allow the passing thought to be any more than that as the possibility was quickly dismissed and he flourished under Rodgers.

He told the Scottish Sun: “Maybe in my head the most uncertainty I’ve had was when the gaffer now was coming in to the club the first time.

“But then within a week I knew there was no questions on my side.

“I knew what I wanted and it wasn’t just me, either. There were other boys at that time who raised their game, and he got a lot out of them. He really brought everyone’s potential out of them. So with that in mind, I think it’s really good for the young boys here now that the gaffer has come back.

“Everyone did really well under the last manager, obviously. But there are a few of them who can kick on again now, and that’s great for the club.

“I’ve had a few managers down the years, but this gaffer is just brilliant at the man-management side of the game. Tactically, he’s fantastic as well.

“He’s just a top manager all round, and he makes you feel good about yourself.

“He knows everyone’s qualities and makes the boys really believe in themselves.

“And it’s not just at Celtic where he’s done that.

“So the boys who haven’t worked with him before will find it’s really good.”

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Despite having his game time limited under Ange Postecoglou, Forrest didn't have any further thoughts about moving on.

Instead, while he would like to have played more, Forrest was thrilled to contribute and learn more under the Australian boss.

He added: "I maybe didn’t start as many games as I would have wanted to, but we have so many good players and the team was flying.

“I felt I did contribute at times when I was picked. And I definitely felt like I learned under him.

“I enjoyed the last two years and took so many positives from that time.

“If you ask any player, they will always say they would liked to have played more.

“I was fit for the first half of the season right up until February time and felt involved.

“I just didn’t start as much as I’d have liked, and that as was a bit frustrating.

“But the team was winning and flying and I had to wait for a chance.