You could be forgiven for thinking Brendan Rodgers was cast in some sort of Al Pacino role in The Godfather trilogy back in the summer.

Rodgers had planned on taking a year out from the 'beautiful game' after he left Leicester City. However Celtic came calling again and Rodgers was back as the head of the family. "Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in!"

So it was apt that in the aftermath of Celtic's vital 2-1 Scottish Premiership win over Dundee Rodgers saw fit to honour one of the club's greatest servants James Forrest. Forrest racked up his 108th career goal for Celtic with a deadly brace at Dens Park as the champions stayed three points ahead of Rangers in the race for the title. 

No wonder Rodgers hailed Forrest as one of the 'remaining fathers' of the club's success over the past decade or so. With 11 titles, six Scottish Cups and five Scottish League Cups, Forrest is the most decorated player at the club in terms of winning medals. He could well be the last of the one-club men in the modern era of football. That's a unique thing right there, isn't it?

Under Rodgers, Forrest has been enjoying a recent renaissance in his Celtic career. It's not bad for a player who could well have been moved on in January. Now the 32-year-old is eyeing up a Premiership and Scottish Cup double as is the Celtic manager. Rodgers like Forrest is a serial winner - "it's nothing personal, it's strictly business", for the two of them.

READ MORE: The TCW Star Man who is putting Celtic's forwards to shame

The Northern Irishman said this of Forrest after the victory on Tayside: "James is just a brilliant player. He’s one of the remaining fathers of the success this club has had over the last decade or so.

"Everything he's given on and off the pitch, He's a real symbol of that success. He's very humble, very understated but what he has is immense quality. There are very few of them left, but he’s definitely one of them. His creativity, mentality and quality over the last decade have been so important. I’m so pleased for him.

"His first finish is sublime - what technique. His second one, he’s made it look easier than it actually was. He may not quite have the legs he had years back but the quality doesn’t diminish. He was our match-winner today and I’m so happy for him. He wasn’t only demanding the ball, he looks after it. If he can’t beat a man he secures it. That’s his game, looking to take people on, passing and shooting - everything you want in a winger to be effective in the game.

"Is that experience key at this time of the season? Yeah, I think that experience and ability to want the ball in pressure situations. That’s something he’s delivered many, many times for this club. It definitely helps at this stage of the season.”

Humble and understated. The very traits that Rodgers loves in any player. They are good ones to have in the Celtic family. Forrest's winning mentality speaks for itself. Rodgers knows that his goals and assists as well as his all-round experience will be vital to the cause over the next five games. If ever a player could be described as low maintenance as well as a role model for young players and new signings alike then Forrest is your man. Forrest has stepped up to the plate big time and repaid Rodgers's faith in him.

However down throughout the years, Forrest has been somewhat underrated, undervalued, and underappreciated at Celtic. You have to ask why when his medal count is just three short of Lisbon Lions legend Bobby Lennox. Then again Forrest would probably settle for being an unsung hero and unassuming legend of Celtic whenever he decides to call it a day.

Yet the winger has netted three goals in his last two matches including a wonderful strike against Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden. His volley against Dundee at the weekend was straight out of the top drawer. He has made a valid and massive contribution to the cause of late. As he has done throughout his Celtic career, Forrest played it all down preferring to focus on the task at hand. He said: "That was one of my best volleys, that’s for sure. I was delighted with it.

"We have always won trophies here. Sometimes on the outside people might talk about pressure games but every game is a pressure game at Celtic. Even at the start of the season, there is pressure on every game. We have the manager, coaches and players with the right mentality. The father figure reference does make me feel old! I don’t mind that. At Celtic as a forward player – not just an experienced one – you need to be able to take the pressure off the team but scoring goals and having assists. That’s how it is, no matter what age you are."

That's manna from heaven to the Celtic faithful and the Celtic manager when they hear Forrest make such statements. When Rodgers stood on the steps at Celtic Park and declared: "For those who are with me and always have been, let's enjoy the journey. For those whom I need to convince, I will see you here in May." He knew what he was saying back then and if Celtic don't win the title he may end up being looked upon with ridicule. As we all know: "A man in his position cannot afford to look ridiculous."

It's the exact same scenario with Forrest. Rodgers knew exactly what he was saying and doing when he uttered these prophetic words after the 4-2 Scottish Cup quarter-final win over Livingston last month. The 51-year-old said: "I've always said in terms of quality and wing play, he's our best winger." A winger whose current deal expires in the summer of 2025.

Forrest’s performances in the City of Discovery as well as from the bench against Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup semi-final have also seen a clamour for him to be in the frame for a Scotland recall to Steve Clarke's squad that's heading to Germany this summer for the 2024 European Championships. Scotland has a natural dearth of players who can occupy the wide-right role. Clarke certainly has food for thought.

Celtic Way:

READ MORE: Why Celtic's Forrest is a 'trophy head' according to Rodgers

Forrest is certainly making a mockery of the adage that age is only a number. Speaking of numbers Forrest to date has: 108 goals for Celtic, 102 assists. 22 winners medals. He's chasing a 12th Scottish Premiership title in the last 13 years. The No.49 has 38 Scotland caps to his credit and five international goals. Ironically he hasn't featured for Scotland since he played against the Czech Republic....yes, you've guessed it in the last European Championships.

Forrest, though, hasn't booked a summer holiday... yet! He's not thought about being on the flight to Germany... yet! He's far too busy chasing silverware with Celtic. He said: "I’ve not got a holiday booked! You never book a holiday early in this game, it’s always last minute. If you ask any Scottish player, you’d want to be involved. I went to the last Euros and it was a great experience from the first day of camp to the end.

“My last cap was at the Euros. I have not thought about it once. I wasn't in the squad in January/February time and I have been buzzing being back in about it with the boys here. I have managed to get on the scoresheet and help the team a few times.

"I just want to take it game by game and keep helping out here. I need to concentrate on what I am doing here."

What are the chances of Forrest earning a Scotland recall and claiming cap number 39? Will Clarke make Forrest 'an offer he can't refuse?'