You just knew it as soon as that team news hit the ether. James Forrest back in the side and starting after experiencing somewhat of a hiatus in the current Celtic set-up.

With injuries mounting up once again though, the living legend was given a starting berth today by Ange Postecoglou and he didn’t fail to deliver in a display that rolled back the years as he enters a unique band of brothers in Celtic FC folklore.

I thought when he came on against Leipzig the other night that he looked his old, sharp and instinctively direct self; the one that we have been so accustomed to over the past 13 years or so. 100 goals and 100 assists.

That’s phenomenal stuff. It truly is. He has copped flak throughout his time in a green and white jersey and has enjoyed numerous successes along the way, and just as importantly, been there at our lowest ebb.

That is the mark of how good James Forrest is.

It’s why successive managers want to keep him around – including one Mr Postecoglou. They understand his inherent worth and value to the team, squad and wider club community. He looked rejuvenated and like he was throughouly enjoying his football which is always nice to see from any Celtic player.

His performance today really did make you smile. Many had suggested James could be petering out at Parkhead and that with Ange’s plethora of young, attacking wide-men, the Scotland international could find minutes hard to come by at present. Lo and behold the mini-injury crisis we have been dealt lately. It’s almost as if it was written such is the remarkable turn of events that has led to James hitting his 100 goals for the club today with a hat-trick.

But should we really be that surprised? He has been written off that many times it defies belief. The “he’s finished” line is bandied about left, right, and centre from many within the support when it comes to our loyal servant. But every time he comes back and stakes his claim adamantly that he should still be considered for a start. Well he fulfilled that this afternoon.

At a time when we are lacking confidence after some hard lessons in European competition, he has been there to pick us up yet again. A wonderful footballer who has given his best years for this club. We needed someone to step up today and James Forrest has done that spectacularly. A renaissance from him could be invaluable as we look to get a grip on things both domestically and on the continent.

It could be that James Forrest is coming back to life once again, just when we need it most.

Paul Gillespie

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