James Forrest

He probably is the best winger at the club but that's not saying much.. talent wise he definitely is but obviously he can't play week in week out or a full 90 minutes.

His experience will be vital for the run but it's still a glaring failure of our recruitment we are relying on him at this point of his career

 

I * love him.

 

Not often you see Jamesy in front of the cameras he likes keeping it low profile

 

James Forrest has claimed he has given no thought to securing a surprise place in Scotland’s squad for this summer’s Euro 2024 finals after his match-winning performance for Celtic against Dundee.

The three points earned courtesy of the winger's double could prove pivotal as Celtic ensured there is still clear daylight between them and Rangers at the top of the Scottish Premiership with just four league games left.

The win has also helped set up the possibility of a late-career peak for the 32-year-old Forrest, who earned the last of his 38 caps at the last European Championships against Czech Republic. The player himself has his sights set on a double for the time being, with Celtic maintaining their three points lead at the top after the first weekend of top six fixtures. They also have a Scottish Cup final to look forward to against Rangers as Forrest eyes adding to his current total of 22 major honours at Celtic Park.


It is surely incumbent on Steve Clarke to consider the winger’s late claim to be on the plane to Germany, especially given the spate of recent injuries and concern over the lack of width in recent Scotland squads

I have not thought about it once,” said Forrest, after scoring in each half against a spirited Dundee side. The winger revealed he had not booked any summer holidays yet but then that was par for the course.

“You never book a holiday early in this game, it’s always last minute," he said. "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. But I need to concentrate on what I am doing here.”

He is relishing this return to the fore after making a scoring substitute's appearance at Hampden in the Scottish Cup semi-final victory over Aberdeen last weekend. His start against Dundee was his first in the league since November.

I wasn't in the squad in January/February time and I have been buzzing being back in about it with the boys,” he said. “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.”

Forrest is delighted to play a part after being forced to bide his time. Being omitted from squads earlier in the season had proved difficult for such a decorated player


If you ask any player they will tell you the same,” he said. “Throughout my career I have never had it before and it was something different for me. You have to believe in yourself and you know because I was a bit older that football can change so quickly due to injuries and suspension and especially at Celtic if you don't win a game then the manager might change his mind.

“I knew that if I kept training well I was thinking to myself that I might get another chance. In the last five or six weeks I have got back in and I need to keep doing that to remain a part of it.”

 

The best winger at the club agenda has been rolled out by the manager to avoid a backlash for getting an older head in I think.

they are all different but i think it says a lot that I would argue forrest is our best winger when he didn’t get a touch for 2 years.

Obviously different systems but Forrest has the most quality or maybe on par with Palma.

Systematic of the drop in standard, however.

 

That volley was a belter! He's been very good.

 

I had more or less written him off as to old but he is in top form which is really nice to see because he is a good man.

 

I'll be the first to admit I have never fully appreciated Forrest due to his inconsistency but my * he's dug us oot some * He's scored some massive goals for us over the years. Some boy.

 

I had written him off by my has he had some resurgence!

 

Will very likely end this season as the hero.

 

More Scotland injuries happening...can see him getting a call up. Be mad not to with his experience and ability to change a game

 

In footballing terms now 32 isn’t even that old. Some outfield players play til 36/38 body permitting now. It won’t necessarily be with us but if James’ body holds up no reason he can’t go elsewhere and play for a few more years.

there’s no way he’s past it at 32 with us. Which he’s proving again

 

Love the wee man, sure he’ll get the respect he’s due when he retires.

One team players are like hens teeth these days. The influence off the pitch is more than worth keeping him around but better than that the wee mans still producing the goods on the pitch.

don’t get the amount of hate he was getting and people wanting rid but hey ho, modern day football I suppose

 

I've always said he has a place, and has earned the right to wind down on a contract, if that's what he wants... But to think he's still got a great 90mins in him, possibly twice a week, is just nonsense... In my mind he's good for a half and brilliant for about 30mins... He's an ideal impact-sub!

But * me, does he have heart and a love of the club in absolute spades! He shouldn't be starting for us now, but he's MAKING it happen. You just HAVE to love that about him. It's the kind of thing that'll win us this league...

 

Getting a late flurry in his career.

Need players like him that know the club and what it means to play for us.

 

Under Rodgers first time around Forrest was brilliant. One of the very best players in the team.

The last couple of years have been tough for him and he has struggled with injuries and form.

It's great to see him back making a difference.

 

We are certainly seeing just how valuable his experience is for us when it matters most these past 2 weeks.

 

Having experienced players like Forrest, McGregor and Hart as a key part of the team and overall squad is crucial IMHO.