Hampden Hero Forrest Reflects on Celtic Victory

James Forrest came off the bench at Hampden Park yesterday evening to score the goal that booked Celtic’s place in the Premier Sports Cup Final. Forrest marked his return to the team in spectacular fashion, getting Celtic’s noses in front of a St Johnstone side determined to play for a draw.

James has been a major loss this Celtic side over the past while, with the right hand side of the midfield and forward areas not having the same penetration or effectiveness in some time. The return to the fold of the Scotland international should augur well as the run-in to Christmas gathers pace. The match-winner spoke to Celtic TV after the game last night and spoke of his happiness to be back in the side and contributing.

James Forrest of Celtic celebrates after he opens the scoring in the 73rd minute making it 1-0 to Celtic. Photo Vagelis Georgariou for The Celtic Star

He said: “I think the boys done really well. We started well, we just didn’t score. But the players kept patient and the fans stayed with us as well. They weren’t getting frustrated and I think that really helped the players. We did have chances in the second half and it was just about taking one. We could have maybe got a couple towards the end as well, which would have maybe made the last five minutes a bit easier. But no, we are delighted we’re in the Final.”

When asked about making his mark on the game, the winger said: “Yeah, I was delighted. Just coming on and helping the team, it was obviously 0-0. I’m just glad I got a chance to contribute and help the team. That’s what I managed to do and I’m delighted with that.”

Photo Vagelis Georgariou for The Celtic Star

On the new faces getting to a Final, he added: “Yeah, you know obviously getting so a Semi-final. I think its the first time we’ve played in a Semi-final with the crowd behind us. So it was great to get into a Final and maybe it’s the first the boys in the changing room have been into a Final. It’s great. It’s a new team as well. Everyone is delighted. We just need to make sure we don’t forget about this. We’ve got this (Final) in a months time but we’ve got a lot of games up until the Final now.”

Forrest also paid tribute to Lisbon Lion Bertie Auld. He finished: “Yeah, I think it makes it extra special. The manager touched on that before the game. It’s good for his family and I think just everyone associated with the Club, that we managed to win and get in the Final. We made it a better day.”

Photo Vagelis Georgariou for The Celtic Star

The return of James was just what the doctor ordered last night and it can only bode well moving forward. James has a terrific record of scoring those deciding goals when it’s needed most. Last night was just a resume to normal order for the experienced player. Ange touched on it after the game too. He was not the least bit surprised because that’s what James Forrest does. He’s experienced and quality. Someone totally reliable like his Academy teammate and captain, Callum McGregor.

Well done to James on his return!

Paul Gillespie

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Celtic supporters with a display for Bertie Auld. Photo Vagelis Georgariou for The Celtic Star

About Author

I'm a Garngad Bhoy through and through. My first ever Celtic game was a friendly against Italian side Parma at Celtic Park, in 2002. Currently a student of English Literature and Education at the University of Strathclyde for my sins. Favourite game would be a toss up between beating Manchester United with that Naka freekick, or the game against the Oldco when Hesselink scored in the dying seconds. I'm still convinced Cal Mac is wasted playing that far back.

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