FORMER Celtic striker Frank McGarvey has blasted James Forrest’s decision to turn down a new deal at Parkhead – and questioned whether an English Championship club would even want to sign him.

McGarvey was shocked and disappointed to learn that the winger has chosen not to accept a four-year contract extension - as exclusively revealed in yesterday’s SportTimes – with manager Ronny Deila revealing the 24 year-old wants to consider other options.

Deila is adamant the club won’t go back with an improved offer, meaning the player will move on for nothing next January if an agreement can’t be reached before then.

McGarvey, who made almost 250 appearances for the Hoops between 1980 and 1985, believes Forrest has never fulfilled his potential after making the breakthrough almost six years ago, and that he should be grabbing the offer Celtic have made as he won’t likely get a better one.

He said: “I’m amazed that he is turning down a four-year deal. Why would he turn that down?

"Fair enough if every club in the country is after him but I don’t think that will be the case.

"I’m very surprised that he hasn’t bitten Celtic’s hand off and signed that deal because I think he was lucky to be even offered that length of contract.

“He’s a player who in the past showed great potential but he’s never really fulfilled it. He’s 24 now, so not a young boy any more.

"He should have grabbed that offer with both hands. Celtic have made him a good deal and at this point in his career I think he should be signing that.

"Where is he going to go now? He’s not going to get a club in the English Premier League. And I’m not even sure if he would get a Championship club. So I’m really surprised by this.”

Forrest has struggled to nail down a regular place in the Celtic team in recent years, with a number of injuries stunting his progress. And McGarvey believes there will be plenty of cover in that position should the player move on, as now seems likely.

He added: “I don’t think he will be any real loss to Celtic if he leaves. I don’t think too many fans will be shedding a tear. I certainly won’t be.

"To be honest I don’t think Celtic will be any worse off without him. Celtic have made good buys this year so they are well stocked in those attacking areas.

“It’s no longer about Forrest’s potential, he is what he is now. He’s a good player on his day but at a club like Celtic you have to do that consistently.

"And because of injuries and whatever else, he hasn’t done that. He was a great player when he first came through but you have to be able to play like that week in, week out. And he doesn’t do that.

“He’s had injury problems in the past but it’s not just about that. He’s not injured just now, is he?

"So he should still be able to turn it on more than he does. There’s just no consistency. He doesn’t cross the ball often enough for me. He doesn’t score enough goals.

"He can take on defenders but he doesn’t do that enough for me, either. So he has those attributes to be a good player but he just needs consistency.

"If I was him I’d be grabbing a contract and showing Celtic he can become the best player at that club.”