Celtic hero James Forrest's advice to brother ahead of European debut

By Lewis Laird

August 18, 2022

Hearts summer signing Alan Forrest has detailed the advice, Celtic winger and his brother, James Forrest, has handed him ahead of his European debut.

The 25-year-old joined the Edinburgh club from Livingston in the summer after impressing during his two-year spell with the Lions.

On Thursday, Forrest could be looking forward to making his European debut for his new club as they take on FC Zurich in the Europa League play-off qualifying round.

Of course, Alan won’t be the first Forrest in his family to play in European competition, with his brother James turning out regularly for Celtic.

Ahead of Thursday’s game, the Hearts man has detailed the discussions and advice James has given him after years of experience taking part in Champions League and Europa League fixtures.

He said [Football Scotland]: “I’m buzzing to get the chance to play (in Europe). I have come from Ayr and Livingston, who haven’t had that chance. So to experience that is something I am really looking forward to.

“I’ve always wanted that, but I never thought too much about it. Obviously, when you’re playing in League One and the Championship, it feels far away, but I never thought it was out of reach.

“Speaking to James and him telling me how good European football is, it’s good for me to have that there to push towards it.

“We’ve spoken about it because it’s new for me, but he’s basically had it his whole career. He’s told me it’s tough to get used to at the start, but he enjoyed it, and he’s told me to embrace it.”

Hearts summer signing set for potential Celtic Park match-up against brother this weekend

After securing a move to the Scottish top flight, Alan Forrest has now come up against his brother on a few occasions whilst playing for Livingston.

The last time the two come up against one another, it was James who came out on top, scoring in a 3-1 win over his brother’s old side towards the end of last season.

However, this Sunday, he is getting set to face Celtic at Parkhead for the first time as a Hearts player.

It should certainly be interesting to see how the Tynecastle side set up for their trip to Glasgow, with some of their focus being on the second leg of their Europa League tie next Thursday.

That could play into the hands of Ange Postecoglou’s side, who will be looking to continue their strong start to the new season.

For now, though, Hearts and Alan Forrest’s thinking will be firmly on tomorrow evening’s game against the Swiss side, and I am sure he will be hoping to follow his brother’s advice and put in a strong showing.

In other news, Callum McGregor addresses the target on Celtic’s back that just got bigger.