Neil Lennon reveals deal struck to leave James Forrest out of Team GB

Celtic manager Neil Lennon has said that James Forrest will not be playing for Team GB at the London Olympics.

Forrest had been tipped for a place in Stuart Pearce’s squad for the games and with FIFA rules stating that players called up would not be able to choose club over country, Celtic feared they would be without the Scotland international for crucial Champions league qualifiers.

Speaking to STV, Lennon said that he had been told that Forrest would not be selected for Team GB after discussions between Pearce and Celtic. The manager said that no Celtic players would be part of the united British team.

“Certainly not the British players, we’ve spoken with Stuart on that,” Lennon explained.

“James Forrest will not be going because he’s been injured. Stuart’s aware of that.

“As regards the rest of the [non-British] players, we’ll speak to the other federations regarding that and hopefully there will be some sort of resolution where they are playing with Celtic when the time comes.”

Lennon also confirmed that Forrest had been part of Pearce’s initial plans.

“He was in his thoughts but the fact that he’s been out for so long probably rules him out.”

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