James Forrest

If we are genuinely looking to progress both Forrest and Johnston should be punted and a replacement brought in.

 

Should never have been given a new contract and we go another season with him and Johnson

 

TO say James Forrest has had a brilliant career would be an understatement.

The Celtic legend — a label he truly merits — has picked up 20 trophies at his only club.




Winger Forrest, 31, has played 444 games, earned four Player and Young Player of the Year awards and 38 Scotland caps, and featured at Euro 2020 last summer.

Yet the nine-in-a-row Hoops star still doesn’t get the appreciation he deserves after all that from a lot of Celtic supporters.

Forrest, though, typically just gets on with it, without ever a hint of ego or craving for a profile.

Talking at the champions’ Bad Erlach training base, he made it clear he’s still far from satisfied with what he’s achieved in his glittering career at the top level.


Forrest approaching his 13th season in green and white said: “I’ve started well this pre-season and hopefully, I’ll take that into the season ahead.

“I turned 31 on Thursday, I love being at Celtic and wouldn’t want to be here if I just wanted to plod along at this club.

“My aim is to keep trying to help the team, keep trying to win stuff, and play as much as I can.

“I’m looking forward to the season just as I did with last season.




I remember over different spells throughout my Celtic career, every spell when we’ve done really well, the squad has been really good with strength in depth.




You look at the amount of international players and the young boys coming through as well, we’ve got a big squad over here and the standard is really good in training.

“That’s good for the players and its obviously very good for the manager as well.

“We even said as soon as we got here, for all of the boys that did so well last year, it starts fresh, everything kind of gets forgotten about.

“I think that’s the best way to look at it, you can’t look back on what you’ve done before — you need to keep going on and trying to improve. It doesn’t matter what age you are, that goes for everyone.
“All players want to play, your age doesn’t come into it.




“I think it’s good when the players in your position are doing well, because it makes you want to keep impressing to get a game.

“Everybody gets better when there’s competition for places.”


Forrest signed a contract extension until 2025, and asked if he’ll now finish his career with the Hoops he added: “I was delighted to sign my deal, and I think it was good for me and the club.

“But I don’t want to just say that I’ll stay at Celtic for the sake of it.

“I want to win more things and play as much as I can, and if that means staying here for the rest of my career, then I’d be happy with that.”




Forrest’s attitude has been spot on since Neil Lennon threw him on for a scoring debut against Motherwell back in May, 2010, to begin a remarkable career in the Hoops.

Now, he’s the perfect player for new signings to speak with to get an education about the club.

Forrest said: “A lot of the boys are interested, and a lot of them know the history of the club as well.

“They know Celtic from big European games as well.

“But a lot of them maybe get a surprise at how massive the club is in Scotland, and how you get noticed everywhere you go.






I think as well, though, that for a lot of them who have come in last season, there’s been a lot of good stuff as well, so they have all enjoyed it and the squad has come together that way as well.”

Meanwhile, Forrest is prepared for a Rangers fightback next season after they lost the league crown




He added: “Over the last two seasons Celtic and Rangers have been really close, it’s going to be the same again this time.

“We’re going to have to kick on and do more than we did last year

 

Crazy decision giving him a new contract of that length. He’s miles past his best based on what we’ve seen the last 12 months.

 

Just wait till he scores against Ross County and proves us all wrong

 

He's done, Abada has to start every single game this season if available.

 

Looks so slow now, giving him a 3 year deal was madness.

 

He’s absolutely done and has been for ages. Completely devoid of confidence.

 

Not writing him off, aye he's lost pace..

But, will still contribute this season.

 

I have been one of his biggest fans. He's been immense for us. But he is not anywhere near a starter now

 

Times up unfortunately, a shadow of himself now. Give Vata and other youngsters a chance.

 

Hopefully a championship in England is daft enough to make an offer for him so he can depart with his dignity and reputation intact.

 

You need to have pace and power for this team especially front players and forest is done can't believe gave him 3 year deal crazy

 

Typical. Thread not bumped to praise him after playing well against Ostrava and linking really well with O’Riley but a pile on after a poor 45 in the next game.

 

Hes done mate

 

We need another right winger in the door..

 

I’ve been hearing that for a decade. Think I’ll trust the managers judgment on this one.

 

It’s more based on the last two seasons as a whole. His performances and output are nothing in comparison to the Rodgers days.

Surely you can see it yourself? Abada had their left back on toast that first half. Don’t think Forrest took him on once and got past him.

You see what Jota and Abada give us, then Forrest comes on and the attack died a death.