Forrest, James

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Personal

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Biog

“‘A light in the darkness’ in Scottish football.”
Mark Wotte, SFA Performance director, on James Forrest

Youth Level

Turned out for Celtic U16s in a Youth challenge match v. Norwich City on 23 March 2007. Was then taken on by the club and developed into an accomplished and prolific right-sided attacker for the U17s, even challenging for the U19 team in his first season. After a highly promising start to 2008/09 (3 goals in 5 U19 games) he was laid low by injury in October and was out of the reckoning until March.

He returned untainted by the U19 team’s desperately poor season and picked up where he had left off, even hitting two goals in his first two games at Reserve level.

Began 2009/10 in similar coruscating fashion and was rewarded with a new four year contract in August 2009. Picked for the friendly with Benfica on 2 September 2009. He also came to the attention of Tony Mowbray, who promoted him to the first team squad for the SPL clash with St Mirren on 26 September 2009.

A Scottish age-group international, James was extremely well thought of amongst the club’s hierarchy, and despite all the difficulties during his first season with the first team, James Forrest was one of the bright moments from that brief but difficult season.

No one was to believe what a loyal and long-term career he was to have at Celtic with many fine & incredible moments.

Senior Career – Pre-Brendan Rodgers
He came on for his debut in the 4-0 victory over Motherwell on 1st May 2010 as a sub, and scored a wonderful goal. Despite this impressive first-team breakthrough, Celtic manager Neil Lennon – who had coached the player at youth level – declared he would not rush the development of the Glasgow-born prospect.

Consequently it appeared the youngster’s role in the 2010/11 campaign would be restricted to a place on the bench and the occasional start in lesser competitions. However, impressive pre-season form would ensure the midfielder remained firmly in the frame for a first team spot.

An injury to Paddy McCourt in the opening league clash of the season at Inverness on August 14th presented Forrest with an opportunity to make his case for a regular start. He did this with some style hitting a goal against St Mirren (in a 4-0 Celtic victory) and then underlining his blossoming talent by earning a call up to the Scotland Under-21 squad and being named Clydesdale Bank Young Player of the Month for August.

This recognition was no more than the then teenager deserved. Combining good touch with impressive acceleration, Forrest’s pace and direct running had genuinely enhanced Celtic’s attacking threat. Displaying a valuable ability to beat men on both the outside and by cutting infield, Forrest was a frequent menace to opposition defences.

The player’s progress was temporarily halted by an ankle injury but by the New Year he was back in the side when the Bhoys enjoyed a 2-0 victory over Rangers at Ibrox. Forrest suffered a minor set-back soon afterwards though when he was harshly given a straight red card for a clumsy challenge in the 1-1 league draw with Hamilton, a tackle which arguably warranted no more than a booking. A stunning opening goal in the 4-0 rout of Hearts at Parkhead on January 27th seemed to underline the youngster’s potential – but minutes later he suffered a hamstring injury and another frustrating spell on the touchline commenced.

Overall though the player has represented a huge plus point in Celtic’s 2010-11 campaign. His rise from youth team to the senior set-up was expected, but no one could have predicted that Forrest would establish himself quite as swiftly as has done.

From there on in he was a mainstay under Neil Lennon, helping the first team to league titles, and importantly setting Celtic up for a new golden era, with Rangers dying.

It wasn’t all easy, as undoubtedly a work in progress James still had much to learn and prove. But his potential was notable and judging by his displays and attitude, the coaches had faith in him. However, Forrest was having a difficult time, with terracing critics noting his at times a poor first touch and the ease with which defenders could push him off the ball.

Frustrating for him, but he more than paid back the coaching staff by scoring the vital injury time winner against Shakhter Karagandy in the European Cup play-offs in Aug 2013 to take us to the group stages. That set him up perfectly. He’d had a good game with some strong runs and the goal gave him the adulation he deserved for a chance, with Lennon sticking up for him against any detractors.

His nice wee boy image took a bit of a hit when he was allegedly caught in an uncompromising position one night in a nightclub. Details are left for elsewhere. However, he was cleared over these claims.

Despite the barracking from some sections, he managed to remain very much in the plans for new manager Deila, and duly repaid the faith with a goal v Dundee Utd in the league cup final of 2014-15. He also won a penalty in the same match only to kick the penalty straight down at the keeper. Celtic were already comfortably up so little of concern, but seemed to highlight his still need to develop.

He stayed on the books with Deila, and played a strong role over Deila’s two seasons. However as the Deila managerial spell was floudering, changes were needed. There was little issue with Forrest but overall the First Team needed a refresh.

Brendan Rodgers Era

Like many others, Forrest’s career was revitalised under Brendan Rodgers. The biggest challenge for Forrest was that he was under pressure with the competition of the prodigious Paddy Roberts, on loan to Celtic, fighting for a similar role in the first team.

There’s no denying that talentwise that Paddy Roberts had more in his locker, but Paddy Roberts was a loan signing thus giving Forrest an edge. Despite all that Forrest raised his game, and was great value on his contributions to the side. On full match value, Forrest was ahead. Roberts was a highly valued player, so it boded well for Forrest but they worked well off each other in rotation.

Admittedly, in tight situations you would have gambled more likely with Roberts, but it was often Forrest who was the favoured son with both the manager and support to the surprise of many.

On being overshadowed by Paddy Roberts, Forrest flitted in & out the side with Roberts, but Forrest was a perfect role model and he was actually as valuable to the first team as Roberts. Paddy Roberts was sidelined from injury but his absence little noticed as Forrest more than showed his worth in many ways with goals and assists. He helped to score some vital goals, including an important winner v Rosenburg in the Champions League qualifiers and the League Cup opener in 2017/18.

Forrest had come into his own in Season 2017/18 which was a major turning point for him, and proved to everyone that Forrest was actually now more valuable than Paddy Roberts. Forrest had drive and a greater commitment to Celtic, and paid back the patience that the club management had in him with 17 goals in the season. His return in goals was invaluable, most notably his first hat trick v Partick Thistle in the Scottish Cup which took Celtic through despite the poorer efforts of Simunovic in defence (3-2 victory).

Once Roberts left to go back to Man City, there were few noises for his return, Forrest had silenced them all. His maturity and experience was now paying off.

Despite the personal challenge, Forrest was a vital player who helped Celtic in the classic treble winning seasons and that should be remembered. He had begun to take the lead in attacks and lead the line, and push for crosses and opportunities to score. He was a favourite, and his development was in the background over all these years and was wonderful to watch. He was hoovering up the silverware in Scotland and playing at the top with Celtic in Europe, a Bhoy’s dream.

A key moment came in a 5-0 over Sevco, with Forrest scoring a goal following a slalom run into the box and posting the balls beating around 5-6 opposition players. Exceptional & sublime.

Season 2018-19 was a stellar season for Forrest as Celtic went on to complete the unprecedented treble-treble! One statistic through the middle of the season calculated that no midfielder in world football had amassed as many combined assists as Celtic’s James Forrest, according to bookmakers William Hill. He was clearly untouchable at Celtic.

Possibly his most eventful week at Celtic was in October 2018. He was (wrongly) sent off in a UEFA Cup group match v Salzburg and conceded a penalty in a 3-1 defeat away, only to then play St Johnstone at home and score an incredible 4 goals in a 6-1 win. As he was not a striker, that was one of the greatest feats he could attain individually. He was excellent that day alongside Tom Rogic, and helped to bolster a first team who at that point were behind in the league and lacking spirit.

As a further measure of his talent, in November 2018, Forrest helped an under pressure Scotland side with 5 goals over two games, including a hat-trick v Israel in a 3-2 win in Nations League competition, the first by a Celtic player for Scotland in 110 years. His second goal v Albania just before the Israel game was a sublime bit of skill.

Things were to change with the premature departure of manager Brendan Rodgers.

Neill Lennon Era (second stint)

The Lennon era turned into a shambles. However it started well until the premature end due to covid with Celtic continuing on the back of Brendan Rodgers, regaining the treble to complete the quadruple treble (2019/20). James Forrest remained consistent in his scoring as well as he had in recent seasons, which included an incredible spell early in the season where he scored in five games running.

Possibly his most treasured goal in this era was his equaliser v Lazio away that turned the game and helped Celtic create history to win 2-1 away, the first time a Scottish side had won away in Italy, and sealed Celtic’s first time topping a group stage. The added value was that there was a lot of tension off-field from this match, due to the overt fascist leanings of the opposition, and it was a great sense of pride to defeat them at their home. It was a wonderful goal by Forrest that helped turned the game around for Celtic.

Out for much of the disastrous 2020/21 season due to injury, it was a major loss. Celtic clearly missed him, especially as the first team collapsed which saw the manager under the cosh. The league title was surrendered, and there was a call for major overhauls needed across the club. Once back, it was all change as Neil Lennon was cut from his role. If anything, this havoc proved the value of Forrest to Celtic, although he alone would not have made up for the full difference. He showed his value with his fleeting appearances at the tail-end of the season with some goals, but all was too little too late.

The fitness frustrations continued for Forrest after the surprising arrival at Celtic Park of Ange Postecoglu in June 2021.

As the new manager set about rebuilding the team Forrest – by now an elder statesman of the squad – suffered a further setback in August when he picked up an injury in training.

Having missed most of the last season, his return was hoped to rekindle Celtic back to its old form in the new era but all that lost time was never going to be easy to recover. Yet as exemplified by his entire career, he just kept on proving all the forecasts wrong, and often looked as good as anytime in his prime.

Forrest returned to the side just in time for the hectic and crucial end of year schedule. Almost immediately he reminded everyone of his value to Celtic when on 20th November 2021 he came off the bench to grab the winner in the 1-0 League Cup semi final victory over St Johnstone at Hampden.

However injury niggles continued to blight his season. After impressing and scoring Celtic’s third in a vital 3-1 league win at Livingston on 6th March 2022 he suffered another knock in the Scottish Cup win at Dundee Utd.

He was in and out of the side throughout the season and when finally back in the team you could see that he was lagging in pace but also in concentration. His form had at times dipped, but with a number of new arrivals at Celtic it was going to be a challenge to keep his place. Abada was young and developing in the new set up competing for the same onfield role. Forrest still gave full effort but was clearly struggling. He was to rarely play the full ninety minutes of a match and was more often on the bench.

When given a chance he gave his all, most notably when he scored his 100th goal with a hat tick in a 6-1 mauling of Hibs, a notable victory as it revitalised the Celtic side after a run of underwhelming performances. Whenever he came on he battled for the side and was key in helping push the side to victories with assists. He had an incredible ability to impact a game from just coming off the bench and then providing assists.

Possibly, the turning point was the 2-2 draw v Sevco at Ibrox around Ne’er Day 2023, when he was surprisingly a starter on the day. He had a poor game and it demonstrated that he was no longer in his prime, and was to now remain on the fringes of the squad, but still highly respected.

Brendan Rodgers era (2nd Stint)

“In terms of the type James is, when he’s playing, he’s great. When he’s not, he’s pushing the guys who are in front of him to make them better as well.”
Celtic assistant manager John Kennedy (2023)

One of the few remaining players from Rodgers’ first stint, Forrest was never thought to be going to turn the clock back for his career in this new era under Rodgers.  Yet he repeatedly did, and was often a super-substitute, and made everyone rise and applaud him.

The season started with a low-key testimonial, a 3-2 win over Athletico Bilbao at Celtic Park in August 2023 which was deserved.

Whenever called upon he still gave his best, and quietened any snipers on social media with valuable contributions, such as the final goal v St Johnstone in what was a nervy 3-1 (Dec 2023), or most notably scoring in the classic 3-3 draw (won on penalties) v Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup in April 2024. “Cometh the hour, Cometh the man” as the more literally inclined were commenting on him online, a man for the big moments in a Celtic shirt, his experience and ability were often crucial and even those who were previously detractors were revising their views on him.

He was a match saver scoring a double in the key league run-in in season 2023/24 including a brilliant volley, v Dundee in a 2-1 win (Apr 2024) which led McGregor to praise him:

“He’s a top pro. He’s done it year after year after year”.

Incredibly, this season he became a crux that turned the team around. Celtic had this season faltered badly, squandering a large league advantage to let Sevco get in front, but he helped to drag the first team up and really demonstrated to everyone what playing for Celtic meant. In many ways, he was a catalyst to the success of the side at a time when the team was faltering. He was an added spark that helped take Celtic to the league title.

In what was a compliment, Rodgers publicly rated him as the best winger at the club at this time, which in some ways was also a bit of a dig at others, with Rodgers not hiding his frustrations at various others this season.

For a player who did not often like the limelight, he didn’t have step up to be the front man when required. Even commentators on the game started to put together long podcasts to re-evaluate positively his value to the club. His form was even rewarded to the wonderful surprise of all with a call-up to the Scotland squad for Euro 2024, something that was not even considered months earlier.  It was all deserved, yet he was never played in any of the matches despite many (not just Celtic fans) crying out for Forrest to be subbed on as Scotland tripped up repeatedly in a demoralising campaign.

Why though then was Forrest so little heralded until late in his career with Celtic? Even his testimonial match felt a little more low key than that done for other more notable names.  Likely it was as he was not some high profile transfer in, but worked his way up through the ranks, and much of the time was second fiddle to certain other names. His demeanour was not flamboyant or flash, so often he was out of the headlines. Didn’t matter. We knew and loved him, and he played for the team, and gave it all. He could have left for a payday retirement somewhere else but stayed and played for the jersey.

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‘This old-fashioned winger, described by manager Neil Lennon as Celtic’s ‘baby-faced assassin’, has been the Scottish Premier League’s outstanding player this season. National manager Craig Levein and performance director Mark Wotte have both predicted a bright international career, with the latter lauding the speedy and skilful Forrest as ‘a light in the darkness’ in Scottish football.’
FIFA.com (2012)

“Celtic are like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get. #ForrestRomp”
Witticism on Twitter after Forrest scored four goals in a 6-0 win over St Johnstone (Oct 2018)

“Have I ever been tempted to leave? No. I always wanted to stay. I think a couple of years ago I had six months left on my contract — that was the closest I came. There was uncertainty but I always wanted to stay.”
James Forrest (2019)

“I’ve always felt that to stay with Celtic for my entire career would be unbelievable. We’re still a long way away from that but I’m really enjoying it and, over the last few years, I’ve discovered that this club is bigger than even I had realised before.”
James Forrest (2019)

“I’ve spoken to more players than you might think who have left here and then wished that they hadn’t. Many would tell you themselves that they didn’t realise what a big club this is until after they’d gone.”
James Forrest (2019)

“Scott Brown and James Forrest are two Celtic greats and they are still writing their own legacies at the club.”
Neil Lennon (Mar 2019)

“Jamesy [Forrest] wants to just learn the game, he wanted to do well. Tony [Watt] maybe wanted the limelight of a footballer kind of thing where Jamesy wanted to be a good footballer, a good professional.”
Kelvin Wilson (ex-Celtic colleague) on Tony Watt (2019)

“He is the ultimate professional. He does everything he can to maximise what he has and it’s good to have him back. “He showed that threat that allowed him to get the goal. We’re delighted to see him on the scoresheet and also to get those minutes in his legs. Steve knows that he is a good player. He eliminates opponents with that attacking threat. It’s important to have that in the squad and it would be a surprise if he is not in the squad.”
John Kennedy on Forrest on his return after long layoff (Apr 2021)

“I have been here since I was nine. It is just crazy thinking about that. I have been here for so long.”
James Forrest

“In terms of the type James is, when he’s playing, he’s great. When he’s not, he’s pushing the guys who are in front of him to make them better as well.”
Celtic assistant manager John Kennedy (2023)

Note: SFA’s first performance director Mark Wotte says Tottenham Hotspur were interested in Scotland winger James Forrest – but he told the youngster to stay in Scotland and develop with boyhood club Celtic.

[…]

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Playing Career

Honours with Celtic [To be updated]

Scottish League

• 2011-12, 2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16,
• 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2021-22, […]
  

Scottish Cup

• 2011, 2013, 2017, 2018, 2019
• 2020, […]
  

SPL Young Player of the Year:

• 2012

KDS Honours
MOTM Winners 2010-11
22-Aug-10	Celtic 4-0 St Mirren	SPL Game 2

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Pictures

• Player Pics

Books

• Homegrown Hero – James Forrest (2022)

Links

• Testimonial: 2023-08-01: Celtic 3-2- Athletic Club, Friendly
• Profile @scottishfa.co.uk
• Playing for U16 Academy v. Norwich

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Articles

Forrest earns FIFA recognition

By: Newsroom Staff on 17 Jan, 2012 11:22Celticfc.net

JAMES Forrest has been identified by FIFA as one of the most exciting young players in football who could be one of the stars of 2012.

Forrest, a product of the Celtic Youth Academy, has established himself as an integral part of Neil Lennon’s first-team squad since making his debut against Motherwell on May 1, 2010.

Having made an impressive start to his Celtic career, scoring a goal on his debut, Forrest has gone on to make 57 appearances so far for the Hoops, scoring 11 goals. And his form this season has been a major factor in Celtic overturning a 15-point deficit to lead the SPL by two points.

Although pleased to be recognised, the 20-year-oldis firmly focused on maintaining his current rate of progress and helping Celtic achieve success this season.

Speaking exclusively to the official Celtic website, Forrest said: “It’s always good to hear stuff like that as it means you have been doing well, but I just need to forget about it, continue playing and keep doing what I have been doing.

“It’s a lot to do with experience. When you first come in, you don’t really know any playersbut I do feel more settled in the first-team now and all the boys are good to work with.

“I have played more in the first-team this season than last season, and I want to continue doing that.

“Something like this does give you a boost but we’re sitting top of the league just now and that’s the main thing – and we want to stay there until the end of the season.

“Obviously hearing stuff like that is good for you, but I just need to keep working hard.”

Neil Lennon added: “Every week I seem to be talking about Jamesy but he’s a wonderful player. I don’t want to build the kid up too much because that’s not fair. We just want him to carry on with what he’s doing.

“He’s loving life here, he’s enjoying his football and you can see that because he goes out on to the pitch and looks like a superstar in the making.”

Forrest’s talents have been highlighted on the FIFA.com website, when they state: ‘Football fans love little more than witnessing an exciting new talent announcing his arrival to the world.

Over the past year, the likes of Aaron Ramsey, Neymar, Mario Gotze and Phil Jones have made the leap into stardom, and we now wait to discover who will follow in their footsteps during 2012. Here, FIFA.com looks at a few of the likely candidates…’

Thirteen players in total have been identified, including Thiago Alcantara of Barcelona, Julian Draxler of Schalke and Ahmed Musa, the Nigerian teenager who recently moved to CSKA Moscow for 10million euros.

And of James Forrest, FIFA.com said:

‘This old-fashioned winger, described by manager Neil Lennon as Celtic’s ‘baby-faced assassin’, has been the Scottish Premier League’s outstanding player this season. National manager Craig Levein and performance director Mark Wotte have both predicted a bright international career, with the latter lauding the speedy and skilful Forrest as ‘a light in the darkness’ in Scottish football.’

To see the full list of 13 young footballing talents identified by FIFA, click HERE

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James Forrest: First Old Firm goal gets brother off his back

https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/teams/celtic/james-forrest-first-old-firm-goal-gets-brother-off-his-back-1-4732758By Alan Pattullo
Published: 06:00
Tuesday 01 May 2018
In view of the fact he made his Old Firm debut as long as seven years ago, Celtic winger James Forrest’s first goal against Rangers can be considered a long time coming.

Admittedly, there was a spell when the two sides did not meet very often. But, in more recent times, while the Celtic goals have rained in against their rivals, Forrest’s name has been conspicuous by its absence from the scoresheet.

This curious quirk meant getting it in the neck from his younger brother, Alan, who scored for Ayr United in a 6-1 Scottish Cup defeat by Rangers earlier this season. “He has been on at me about it for a wee while now,” said Forrest yesterday, having broken his duck in Celtic’s thumping 5-0 win over the Ibrox side on Sunday.

“I am delighted to score, help the team get three points, keep a clean sheet and score a lot of goals,” he added. “I am just delighted all round.” He revealed his brother sent him a message before the game. “Give us a goal today,” it read.

Forrest did just that. His first-half strike took the Celtic winger on to nine goals for the season – the same as his brother’s total and also, remarkably, the equal highest any Celtic player has scored in the league this season.

Forrest and Leigh Griffiths share this distinction, with Moussa Dembele one behind on eight. Despite another season of dominance, a Celtic player has yet to hit double figures in the league.

Forrest’s contribution in terms of goals from the wing underlines why he was nominated among the PFA candidates for player of the year. Present for all seven of Celtic’s recent run of successive title triumphs, he has truly excelled during this memorable campaign for the Forrest family.

Both Alan and James celebrated championship wins over the weekend. Ayr’s League One triumph was more unlikely but nevertheless welcome after they edged past Raith Rovers to steal the crown on the final day courtesy of a 2-0 victory over Albion Rovers while the Kirclady side could only draw 0-0 with Alloa. Celtic, meanwhile, secured theirs in emphatic fashion and with considerable style at Celtic Park against their fiercest rivals.

Forrest might have suspected he was set for a productive afternoon when he heard Rangers were playing a midfielder at left-back. Andy Halliday tried his best but endured another traumatic outing against Celtic. The auxiliary full-back might have wished he had been withdrawn in the 40th minute once again.

Forrest evaded Halliday’s and other weak challenges to score Celtic’s third after 44 minutes. Odsonne Edouard had put Celtic two up after 42 minutes – with Halliday again culpable along with Russell Martin. Halliday was also left in a heap by his opposite man in the second-half. Forrest was unwilling to suggest he sensed there was scope to notch his first goal given the Ibrox side’s evident frailties at present.

“Obviously when you are playing Rangers they have got good players,” said Forrest. “No matter who you are playing it is going to be a hard game. We just focus on ourselves. We give the opposition respect. But we know if we turn up we can do that to any team with the hunger we have.”

Forrest is a one club man and credits manager Brendan Rodgers’ arrival as convincing him to sign a new contract in August 2016. He is determined to stick around for longer and will begin discussions on a new deal before long. These are not expected to drag on like last time. Forrest seems happier than ever. As well as keeping on loan Manchester City winger Patrick Roberts out of the team, Forrest has become an integral member of the Scotland side. It’s particularly heartening for Celtic fans to see two players in Forrest and Tierney excelling after being brought through the club’s own youth system. “I always remember coaches telling me as I came through the youth ranks that not many players make it, especially at a club like Celtic,” reflected Forrest. “Very few come right through. The dream is to make your debut and after that you want more. I just want to keep going.”

He maintains he was never close to leaving Celtic. “It was maybe made into more than it actually was,” he said. “My contract was down to the last six months. I maybe could have left. But in my head I always wanted to stay here. Once the gaffer came in I made that clear. I was buzzing when he arrived. I haven’t looked back since signing that deal and getting that out of the way. Celtic is a massive club. I have always wanted to stay here as long as I can. I will keep working hard to make that happen.”

Forrest paid particular tribute to Neil Lennon, the Celtic manager who handed him a debut against Motherwell in 2010 when the winger was only 18 years old. He scored in a 4-0 win. He included Lennon among those who have had most influence in his career to date. “Not a lot of managers give young kids debuts,” said Forrest.

“Then there is my family as well. You can’t do it without your family behind you. International coaches too. There are so many. I don’t think it is fair to name just one or two. The gaffer (Rodgers) as well. I have had so many good influences.”

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James Forrest’s scoring feat sees him match the likes of Ally McCoist, Davie Cooper, Paul McStay and John Robertson
Celtic winger hits another landmark in joining select band who have scored in every league season for 12 years
By Andrew Smith

Thursday, 10th September 2020, 7:30 am

James Forrest’s goal celebration for his milestone goal against Motherwell appeared to be a release of pent-up frustration.

https://twitter.com/home

The stellar career of James Forrest is littered with landmarks. And, as fits the unassuming 29-year-old, he racked up another with no hoopla last week. The Celtic wide man’s goal in the 3-0 success over Motherwell means he has become only the ninth player in the 45-year Premier era of Scottish football to score in 12 consecutive top-flight seasons.

Typical that Forrest should have chosen the occasion of his 400th game for the club to join the exalted company of Ally McCoist, Davie Cooper, Paul McStay, John Robertson, Paul Sturrock, Eamon Bannon, Joe Miller, Billy Stark and Billy Dodds in this particular club – all of these players going on to keep up their runs in further seasons to varying degrees.

Celtic: Get the latest team news, match previews and reports

Forrest is a player who should be lauded from the heavens by the Celtic support for his contribution in the decade since he had his debut. His 19 winners’ medals mean there is every possibility he will become the most decorated player in the club’s history. He currently sits fourth in that pecking order, with only Bobby Lennox, who has 25, Billy McNeill with 23, and Scott Brown, on 21, above him. None of them was near his current total while under the age of 30.

Moreover, in having bagged 89 goals – 51 of these in little over the past three years, with almost as many assists – he is firmly on course to become only the 30th player in the club’s history to break the century mark for strikes. Add, for good measure, that his hat-trick for Scotland against Israel in 2018 made him the first Celtic player to net such a treble since Jimmy Quinn in 1908, and the winger is a player who ought to be the firmest of favourites with the support.

Yet, the reality is that he is not. He has been implicated by a section of the club’s followers as Celtic’s have experienced a patchy start to the season. Forrest has always been an easy, and lazy, target for the support at the first hint of grumblings over the team’s form. However many milestones he reaches do not seem to alter inexplicable perceptions among an increasingly spoiled fanbase about a player who has always shown admirable commitment to the club with which he signed youth terms at 13.

His faithfulness and productiveness warrant more appreciation. Fellow 12-season scorer Miller, a former Celtic winger himself, believes it is a lack of appreciation for how the role of the wide player has changed in the modern game that has resulted in Forrest so often appearing the prophet unappreciated in his own land.

“He isn’t the sort of winger who excites fans by beating two or three players or jinking round opponents because that is not what is asked of him,” said the 52-year-old. “Those heels-for-dust types aren’t asked to do the sort of defensive job he can quietly carry out. He isn’t always in games that much and that can be frustrating for fans. I know they got frustrated with me for the same thing, but that is one of the perils of playing out wide. Jamesy doesn’t even always play out wide. He can come inside and often will have the whole 18-yard line to cover.

“Punters always want to see wingers taking oppositions apart with the burst of pace and the mazy dribbles but while he is quick he is more the type that will look to play one-twos in and around the box and make space for others. This isn’t that eye-catching and can count against him.”

Forrest’s longevity and consistent output over a decade ought to count more for him, though. Indeed, when he broke the deadlock against Motherwell, perhaps there was a telling nod to his feelings over the out-of-proportion stick directed his way recently. Ordinarily placid off the pitch and undemonstrative on it, the yells and frenzied chest thumping from the amiable sort looked like a release of pent-up frustration. The player has a record not only for him to stand on, but one his detractors ought to stop ignoring when they seek to stand him down.

“Like the other guys who have scored league goals over 12 seasons, Jamesy has been able to do that because he has stayed in Scotland, when so many other these days go off to England first good chance they get,” said Miller. “That has got to say something for him because he is bound to have had good offers.”

Yet, Miller doesn’t pretend that he wouldn’t like to see Forrest more regularly taking games by the scruff of the neck as he has shown he is undoubtedly capable.

“There are certain days, against certain opposition, where you just feel everything is right for him to tear it up and he then doesn’t always make the impression you would hope for. And then there are other times he can be unplayable. Look at what he has done to St Johnstone at McDiarmid not once, not twice, but at least three times in recent memory. He completely ran amok with four first half goals there a couple of years ago, and he seems to have the hex over that club at that ground. If he can do it there, you think why not do that sort of damage more often. But then they have said that sort of thing about wingers forever. I know.”

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‘I knew I was three short’: James Forrest takes limelight after joining Celtic’s 100 club

https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/i-knew-i-was-three-short-james-forrest-takes-limelight-after-joining-celtics-100-club-3881395

James Forrest has never been one to like the limelight. A quiet, humble, hard-working character, he prefers to let others do the talking. Yet this likeable 31-year-old could not avoid being centre of attention this time around after scoring a hat-trick against Hibs and taking his goal-tally for Celtic to 100 goals.

By Mark Atkinson

Forrest was handed his first start of the season by manager Ange Postecoglou and he was the main player in a 6-1 thrashing of hapless Hibs. He could have scored more on the day had he not been replaced, to rapturous applause, on 65 minutes and he can lay claim to being a Celtic legend: 100 goals, ten leagues titles, five Scottish Cups and five League Cups. His achievements are even more impressive given he’s had injuries to contend with, especially under Postecoglou, where he has not started as frequently as before.

Asked when he started thinking about reaching 100 goals, Forrest remarked: “Maybe last year when I’ve got closer more people have mentioned it. The team is doing well and I’ve not playing. I’m delighted – first start of the season, helping the boys and getting another hat-trick and 100 goals is unbelievable. I knew I was three short. I’ve scored two hat-tricks so didn’t think I’d get another but we started really well and getting the first goal early I always knew we’d get chances. Having two at half-time, it was definitely in my head going into the second half.

“In football it’s crazy how one game can be so high then it goes low. But I think what I’ve done and how I’ve been there have been so many highs and it’s definitely been worth it. I’m grateful to be here so long and delighted I’ve contributed. A couple of boys were winding me up wanting me to dance in front of the fans.”

Forrest has had to bide his time for a start this term, with Jota, Liel Abada, Daizen Maeda and Sead Haksabanovic offering stern competition on the flanks. He hopes that he has given Postecoglou some food for thought with his efforts against Hibs.

“The manager is big on performance,” continued Forrest. “The last couple of games I felt I’d done well coming on. The amount of games and the way we play I think he will need every one at it and have subs coming on making an impact. Every player needs to be ready and because he has changed it nobody knows if they’re playing or not. It’s good for competition for places.

“The manager just wants everyone training hard and playing well. As I’m older I’ve been injured and had different experiences. Maybe this year I’ve had a good pre-season. I’ve maybe not played as much as you want but you have to look at the positives. You can’t be down and the manager always said he’d give everyone a chance and the last few games have proved that with players who have been on the fringes coming on.”

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Is James Forrest a Celtic legend? Ange Postecoglou has say and explains why he kept him at club

Ange Postecoglou is convinced James Forrest has earned legendary status at Celtic after his hat-trick against Hibs took him to the 100-goal mark for the club.

By Mark Atkinson

https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/is-james-forrest-a-celtic-legend-ange-postecoglou-has-say-and-explains-why-he-kept-him-at-club-3881362

On his first start of the season for Celtic, the 31-year-old winger netted three times in a comprehensive 6-1 triumph to extend their lead at the top of the cinch Premiership to five points.

Forrest was one of five fresh players introduced to the team and he repaid Postecoglou’s faith with a scintillating performance.

“It was great for him,” said Postecoglou of Forrest’s exploits. “He’s joined an elite club – 100 goals for this club and credit to him and the way he’s had his career at the club. There was a reason we kept him around. It wasn’t sentimental reasons. When you’re putting a squad together it’s the sum of all parts that make it strong. You need players like James. He’s experienced, calm and have quality. He hasn’t had a lot of chances because players in his position have been doing well. But I had no doubt at some stage we would call on him and he would deliver. Over the last few games he’s made impacts coming on so I could see he was ready to go. I’m delighted but not surprised.”

When asked if Forrest was a legend at the club, Postecoglou responded: “Absolutely. You don’t stay here for that time particularly in that position. Daizen [Maeda] doesn’t score for two games and everyone is on his back so to last as long as he has is testament to his character. He’s humble but determined to be the best he can be. Credit to him, he joins an elite club, 100 goals which is fantastic for him. I keep telling players they’re the things that last beyond your career and you reflect on. I wasn’t even aware of it but I’m sure he was. He took it well. It wasn’t just his goals, his general performance was really good.”

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James Forrest is Celtic prophet not appreciated in his own land; imports ‘sexier’ as testimonial response bewilders

https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/james-forrest-is-celtic-prophet-not-appreciated-in-his-own-land-imports-sexier-as-testimonial-response-bewilders-4238691
A football testimonial is typically as the name would suggest.
Andrew Smith
By Andrew Smith
Published 31st Jul 2023, 22:31 BST
Updated 1st Aug 2023, 00:28 BST
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Celtic assistant manager John Kennedy believes James Forrest’s shunning of the limelight might explain help explain why his stunning accomplishments have not seen him given the spotlight by some among the fanbase they warrant. (Photo by Naoki Morita / SNS Group)
Celtic assistant manager John Kennedy believes James Forrest’s shunning of the limelight might explain help explain why his stunning accomplishments have not seen him given the spotlight by some among the fanbase they warrant. (Photo by Naoki Morita / SNS Group)
It is bestowed as testament to a player’s longevity and lustre. There is no doubting those facets from James Forrest at Celtic as the 32-year-old prepares for his tribute game that brings Athletic Bilbao to the east end of Glasgow on Tuesday evening. Yet, it is inescapable that there is a certain New Testament dimension to the circumstances surrounding his special evening. More particularly the line in the Biblical canon that proclaims a prophet is not appreciated in their own land. Consider this. Peter Grant is always the first to admit that his staying power at Celtic was in part attributable to the lean times that the club endured in his era. His testimonial, on a bitterly cold January evening in 1997, came when he had helped the club to only one trophy – a Scottish Cup – in the previous seven years. Still in excess 40,000 turned up to watch Celtic lose to Bayern Munich.

Or, to put it another way, until a late uptake of ticket sales, more than seemed would be drawn to acknowledge the career of a Forrest who has no fewer than 22 winners’ medals. A total that means only Bobby Lennox, with 25, and Billy McNeill, on 23, have earned more in the club’s annals. A Forrest who is one of only 30 players to have netted more than 100 goals for Celtic. A Forrest who, across the only quadruple treble of national competitions in world football – which allowed Celtic to bring up a run of nine straight titles – contributed no fewer than 125 goal actions between finding the net and providing assists. His input on that measure unrivalled. A Forrest who is one of only seven players across all Scottish clubs to have scored in 13 consecutive top flight campaigns across the Premier League era that began in 1975.

Now it must be recognised that, as an attraction, Bilbao are no Bayern. That doesn’t in itself though explain the initial underwhelming response of the Celtic support to a player they have always under-appreciated. For reasons that can bewilder, since Forrest is a bona fide club great who has enjoyed a remarkable career. Without ever being affected by it; the winger as endearingly unassuming now as when a 17-year-old academy product making his senior breakthrough in 2010. It is his diffident personality and his homespun, home-grownness that Celtic assistant John Kennedy alights on in tackling the question as to why Forrest isn’t as celebrated as would truly befit his celebrated service. Conceding that players who provide that after breezing in from “different countries can sometimes feel a bit sexier”.

“In years to come everyone will look back and recognise how terrific James actually was,” said Kennedy, who sees no reason why the attacker cannot go on to surpass Lennox’s all-time medal total. “When he’s here it’s sometimes like kids with a new toy when there are new players coming in. They get the headlines and cause a bit of excitement, while the guys who have been about a bit longer are just there and we know they are there.

“I think he’s respected, which is the most important thing. Everybody respects James, from the fans to us in-house because of what he gives us. But because there is such a turnaround, and because of the excitement that comes from the newer guys, he doesn’t get that same reaction. James doesn’t put himself out there, he isn’t on social media and doesn’t interact with the fans so much. He’s a quiet guy who likes to have a quiet life. At times he can be forgotten about a little bit. But in terms of what he gives us on a daily basis, and his contribution over the years, he’s been unbelievable. We’ve had great success and he’s been a huge part of it for such a long time. But it’ll maybe be in ten years, or 20 years, when he’s not there, that people who have watched him will talk very fondly of him to their grandchildren.”

The Celtic assistant refuses to read too much into the sluggish ticket sales for an encounter which will see a portion of the proceeds donated to charities. “Everybody recognises it’s a midweek,” he said. “I think if this game had fallen on a weekend it would have been sold out immediately. Where we are now, there is a good support going to be there already. But I think it’ll be a very special night, I really do. He’s one of our own, he’s been here such a long time. He’s one we maybe don’t recognise as much as others. But I think we need to highlight the greatness of what he’s achieved at this club. There aren’t many better than him in terms of what he’s produced. That’s from his own personal stats to the trophies, medals and everything else. And he’s still got more to come.”

How much more is a question that is inevitably begged by Forrest’s current status. He is a wide man that in the past year hasn’t been close to a first pick as Celtic operate with a busload of these types. Jota may have gone but Liel Abada, Daizen Maeda and Sead Haksabanovic remain ahead of him in the pecking order, with summer signings Yang Hyun-jun and Marco Tilio now added to that mix.

“In terms of the type James is, when he’s playing, he’s great. When he’s not, he’s pushing the guys who are in front of him to make them better as well,” said Kennedy, hinting at a largely support role. “He’s still very much a big part of the team. He will be going forward, Because he’s been so professional, he’s still in very good shape and is still able to produce great moments.” Many more of these moments that his own fanbase give him credit for, indeed.

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