In form Celtic star experiencing situation for first time ever in his career

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Celtic are in a handy position heading into their last four Scottish Premiership fixtures following a 2-1 victory over Dundee yesterday.

Unquestionably, the Bhoys weren’t at their free-flowing best on Tayside; however, a brace from James Forrest, including a stunning volley on 30 minutes, was enough to ward off an Antonio Portales strike diverted home by Adam Idah.

Brendan Rodgers urged his side not to rest on their laurels in his post-match press conference as they continue to stare down the possibility of a third successive league title.

The Irishman stated: “I said to the players afterwards that we were on top, but we keep climbing. Let’s not settle on just being top of the league. We keep climbing; we want to achieve more, score as many goals as we can and be as strong as we can defensively.”

With Heart of Midlothian, Rangers, Kilmarnock, and St Mirren still to come, Celtic retain a three-point advantage in the Scottish top-flight standings alongside a superior goal difference of five pitted against their city rivals, leaving the table as you were before last weekend’s action began.

Granted, yesterday’s performance wasn’t a vintage one from Rodgers’ men, with Dundee amassing four ‘big chances’ to our two; however, points on the board are all that matter, and we have set the scene for an exciting end to the season courtesy of an enormous result at Dens Park.

James Forrest on forcing his way into Celtic first-team plans

Despite his rotational status at Celtic this campaign, Forrest has taken his tally for the campaign to six goals and one assist in 24 appearances following his double in the City of Discovery [Transfermarkt].

Just four starts have fallen the way of the Scotland international, though his professionalism has never wavered when others have been given the nod on either flank.

Cited via The Scotsman, Forrest has revealed that even with ‘never’ being in a scenario of having to bide his time for long periods of the campaign to receive minutes, he always had a suspicion that another first-team chance may come around under Rodgers.

He stated: “I wasn’t in the squad in January/February time and I have been buzzing being back in about it with the boys. I have managed to get on the scoresheet and help the team a few times. I just want to take it game by game and keep helping out here.

Later on, Forrest then opened up on breaking back into the starting fold: “Throughout my career I have never had it before and it was something different for me (having to bide his time).

“You have to believe in yourself, and you know, because I was a bit older, that football can change so quickly due to injuries and suspension, and especially at Celtic if you don’t win a game, then the manager might change his mind.

“I knew that if I kept training well, I was thinking to myself that I might get another chance. In the last five or six weeks, I have got back in, and I need to keep doing that to remain a part of it.”

Brendan Rodgers’ previous comments on James Forrest

Back in March, Rodgers dubbed Forrest the ‘best winger’ at Celtic regarding his raw ability, a statement many scoffed at due to his lack of involvement in 2023/24.

Nevertheless, the Irishman has proved he was on to something, and it would come as a surprise if he weren’t to start against Heart of Midlothian next weekend, given his excellent burst of recent form.

Celtic need cool heads under pressure to see through their title push, with fine margins likely to decide the destination of the Scottish Premiership trophy.

Forrest showed for the second week running that he can be relied upon in the clutch moments. Expect the 32-year-old to play a pivotal part in trying to push success over the line.