Hooper: Forrest can fill McGeady's shoes

03 August 2010 08:31
Celtic striker Gary Hooper believes James Forrest can fill the void created by Aiden McGeady's absence during Wednesday's Champions League clash against Sporting Braga. Forrest has only made three late substitute appearances for Celtic but the 19-year-old was handed his European debut by Neil Lennon during last week's 3-0 defeat in Portugal and set up Hooper's goal in a 2-2 Emirates Cup draw against Lyon on Saturday. Hooper has seen enough of Forrest to believe he can help plug the gap of McGeady, in the short term at least. Lennon this week claimed McGeady was injured, while the Republic of Ireland international winger's Celtic Park future is in doubt with a move to Spartak Moscow reportedly close. "It will be a big loss, he (McGeady) is a very good winger," Hooper said. "But we have other good players. James Forrest does a similar job if we get him on the ball. "James Forrest is a similar player, as he showed against Lyon. He put the ball in for my goal and got man of the match. If he plays on Wednesday, we will be in with a good chance."

Source: PA