Celtic legend James Forrest has indicated he is not ready to bring the curtain down on his time with the Hoops, leaving the door open to extending his stay at the club as he eyes his first ever goal at Ibrox…
The 34-year-old forward will see his current contract expire at the end of the season, but he continues to play an important role in the squad. Within the dressing room, only goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, 39, is older than the long-serving wide man.
Despite being one of the most experienced players in the squad, Forrest does not view himself as approaching the twilight of his career. The Scotland international believes he can still make a meaningful contribution on the pitch.
Talks over his future at Celtic have not yet taken place, though Forrest suggested that stepping away from the game is not something he is currently considering.
Speaking via Daily Record, Forrest said: “No, I actually don’t. I think because we have a young squad. Obviously, when you look at it, I’m the second oldest in the team. But, no, I still feel good. I still train every day. I still want to be a part of the team. We’ve got a big squad and I’m still fighting to be a part of that as well and I like that fight as well.”
“I just love playing and I know I’m maybe getting to the latter stage of my career but I think I’m actually trying to maybe work harder and try and stay as long as possible and try and help the team. Just because I’ve loved doing it for years. I want to try and just give everything I’ve got until I’m done.”
“I’ve always said I’d like to stay here for as long as I can. Until the club tells me to go, I’m going to try and stay here for as long as I can.”
“But I think the most important thing, just the way the season’s gone, is the club and just trying to help the club as much as I can every game. If I play, if I don’t, in different ways, just trying to make an impact.”
“We’ve still got a league and a cup we’re in as well. So, if I can play a part and help the team win something, that would be great. I can think about that at the end of the season, to be honest.”
Although he is no longer among the first names on the teamsheet, the Celtic icon has still made telling contributions this season, delivering decisive assists off the bench in most recent games at Ibrox and Pittodrie.
The winger’s long Celtic career has seen him feature in 36 clashes with the Rangers, finding the net twice in those encounters. Forrest’s introduction to the famous rivalry came in January 2011, when he appeared in the derby as Giorgos Samaras scored both goals in a 2-0 triumph for Celtic at Ibrox. More than a decade later, he says the occasion still brings the same excitement.
Both of his goals against the Rangers have been scored at Celtic Park, but the 34 year-old would relish the chance to change that record by scoring at Ibrox this afternoon as Celtic aim to secure their place at Hampden in the Scottish Cup.
He said: “Aye, and that’s one thing that I want to do as well. I don’t just want to train with the team and just fizzle out. I want to try and make an impact. I want to try and play and help the team and help the players and the staff when I can. The last couple of games, I’ve managed to do that.”
“And, hopefully, the remaining games of the season I can maybe do that a bit more and help the team be successful. I don’t think you’ll ever get bored. Because all your mates, your family, it feels like everyone’s either a Celtic or Rangers fan where I’m from. It’s just a massive fixture worldwide as well.”
“You saw the game last Sunday, the atmosphere was really good. I think that’s the type of games you want to be involved in and playing as well. It’s the games you remember as well. So it’s big games and that’s the ones you want to play in.”
“I’ve actually not scored at Ibrox. It’d be a good one to help us get into the semi-final.”
A Jamesy goal in a Celtic win would certainly make it another Beautiful Sunday for the Free Broomloan to enjoy.
Conor Spence
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