JAMES FORREST, the match-winner in the Glasgow Derby last week, is in line to make his 344 appearance for Celtic today against Livingston. This is Forrest’s ninth season in Celtic’s first team, having one up through the development set-up at the club and along with captain Scott Brown and Mikael Lustig, his is one of three players who have a chance of being here for every step of the way towards 10IAR.
EIGHT in a row could be secured tomorrow if as expected Celtic win today and Motherwell beat a Rangers side drastically weakened by Scott Brown – see HERE. While it would be something of an anti-climax to win the title without playing, their tears of frustration at losing to Motherwell due to Broony’s influence would provide adequate compensation.
Even though he got the all important goal last week, it was nevertheless a low profile week for Forrest as the massive deflection tactic for the no trophies Rangers kicked into play and their blame Broony for everything has dominated the news agenda.
Forrest though last week made one and scored one and what a significant moment that was with 5 minutes left to play.
So it’s good that today’s Matchday Programme gives Forrest the recognition he deserves. He’d never scored against Rangers until last season’s 5-0 thrashing – a game that still annoys me incidentally. Rodgers takes the foot off the gas with half an hour to go and we are five up. Can you imagine Neil Lennon doing that? No, me neither.
“When I was coming through at Celtic, I was focused on taking everything one step at a time,” said Forrest to today’s match day programme.
“First, you want to make your debut. You get joy in doing that, and then you just want to keep adding games, and as you go, titles, cups, playing in the Champions League – all of that stuff falls into place over time.
“The last couple of years have been unbelievable, and I just want to keep working hard. If I can do that, I hope I can continue to add to everything I’ve achieved so far. Celtic is such a great club to play for, and even to this day, I love every minute of it.
“I’ve got the years remaining on my contract, but I don’t think you’re ever able to think too far ahead. In football, you can’t look too far ahead. You need to keep enjoying the moment, you need to keep your hunger going and take things one step at a time.
“But, absolutely, playing over 300 games for Celtic, heading towards 350 before the end of this season, that’s incredible and I’m so proud to be able to do that. I don’t want to stop, and I want to keep adding to that tally.”
On that winner from last Sunday, Jamesy was clearly delighted with the way the match ended.
“As a Celtic player, I don’t think there are many things better than winning a Glasgow derby, especially in front of your home fans. It was a great day for all the players, all the staff, the supporters and everyone associated with the club.
“When you play in big games, you always want to contribute and being able to do that myself with a goal and an assist against Rangers was great. I was delighted to play a part in Odsonne’s goal and, of course, he did really well when he received the ball.
“Like a lot of things that happen during any game, moves and passes like that happen so quickly. You often don’t have too much time to think about them and, therefore, it can become an instinctive thing.
“In those moments, that can be better, in that you don’t have time to overthink it. No matter who we’re playing – Rangers, St Mirren, anyone – I love helping out the team, I love contributing up and down the pitch wherever I can, and I love helping us to get goals, points and trophies.”
Read the rest of the interview in today’s programme and the double deal with the Celtic View is actually a great wee bargain.
