Brendan Rodgers hails 'brilliant' James Forrest after Celtic thrash Motherwell

By PA Sport

Image: James Forrest scored twice against Motherwell to take his goals tally for the season to 10

Brendan Rodgers saluted "brilliant" James Forrest as the winger reached double figures in goals for the first time at Celtic with a double in the 5-1 win over Motherwell on Saturday.

Odsonne Edouard, the 19-year-old striker on loan from Paris St Germain, captured the headlines with a stunning hat-trick in what was only his third start for the Hoops.

Forrest came on as part of a double substitution along with Callum McGregor in the 67th minute after Motherwell replacement Elliott Frear had pulled a goal back.

The 26-year-old, who came through the youth ranks at the Parkhead club, helped himself to a double to take his goals tally so far to 10 as Celtic extended their unbeaten domestic run to 67 games.

"For me, he has been brilliant," said Rodgers. "It has been a joy to see him grow and develop in my time here.

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"I wanted to change the dynamic of the team by putting him and Callum [McGregor] on, both can take the ball and keep it and I felt at that stage of the game we needed to do that.

"You can see he is a real goal threat, inside of his left foot, outside of his right, two brilliant finishes.

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"And like I say, he is high in confidence and I'm delighted to see it because he is a big talent and still so young and has so much ahead of him."

Image: Odsonne Edouard celebrates after completing his hat-trick

Rodgers spoke of a "complete" performance by Edouard and of having an option to sign him when his loan deal expires next summer.

The French teenager, who took his Celtic goals tally to four since arriving in Glasgow in the summer, said: "I am absolutely delighted to score my first hat-trick for the club.

"I have been patient, very patient, and (was) very happy to start the game. It is all down to the trust of the manager and to make an impact with the hat-trick, I couldn't be happier."

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