Scott Brown has backed James Forrest to stay at Celtic for one more year, saying the 34-year-old still brings enough to the squad to justify a new deal. Speaking to Radio Scotland, Brown described his former captain as quiet, trusted around younger players and still one of the club’s best wide men.

Forrest joined Celtic as a young kid in 2002 and made his senior debut in 2009, then went on to become the club’s most decorated player over more than two decades at Parkhead. Brown, who captained him during his own spell at the club, said Forrest should be given another year because of what he adds on and off the pitch.

“James Forrest is very quiet,” Brown said. “He will be going around the younger players as well. He is a brilliant people person.” He added that Forrest “understands people, and he understands what they want,” and said the winger “wants the best for the football club.”

That view matters now because Celtic are due to face Hearts on the final day, with debate already building around the club’s wide options after the Motherwell game. Sebastian Tounekti started against Motherwell, while Hyunjun Yang worked both flanks throughout the match, keeping the discussion alive over how much room there is in the side for Forrest as he moves deeper into his career.

Brown said Forrest remains “so good, so direct, an old-fashioned winger,” and that even if he starts from the bench, he is still among the best in the squad. “His first thought is, ‘How can I go and beat this guy?’” Brown said. “James is a bag of excitement.” That is the tension around Forrest now: Celtic have younger options, but they also have a player whose instincts, experience and record still make a strong case for one more year.

The final call will rest with Celtic, but Brown’s comments made the argument plain. Forrest is not being discussed as a sentimental holdover. He is still being described as a useful, direct winger whose influence remains strong enough to shape a title-winning dressing room and a team selection alike.