A Forrest

"It's always the same; Running towards trophies; Again and again and again and again"

At the beginning of last season, James Forrest was granted a testimonial against Athletic Club from Bilbao. I wrote a short piece on him at that time. My concluding commentary was:

“Forrest deserves his big day tonight, and I wish him well.

And under Rodgers's tutelage, there may be a chapter or two left to write on the pitch.”

Not only did he guide Celtic to a double at the end of last season with an inspiring run of form generating five goals and two assists over ten appearances, but he also received the Brendan Rodgers trademark gush of “best winger at the club”.

This season, despite a long injury to his foot, has seen a similar late charge culminating in equalling a record held by Paul McStay and Jimmy McGrory of scoring in 16 consecutive seasons for the club. He has also surpassed the legendary Bobby Lennox in overall trophy count with 26.

Celtic issued a moving photograph of the two men together as shown at the top of this piece.

This is a remarkable career we are witnessing and is being rightfully celebrated. Yet more chapters appear poised to be written.

Forrest has another year left on his Celtic contract, and I doubt either party has any wish to change that situation.

He’s completed 90 minutes twice this season, and that is probably now a rare event, although Graeme Shinnie will wish never to meet him on the pitch again after an ol’ fashioned roasting last Wednesday.

A squad must have utility players as well as regular starters, and at 33 for Forrest, that is his role now, but let’s dig into his contributions over the years.