James Forrest addresses his Celtic future with contract set to expire next summer

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Celtic one-club icon James Forrest is still producing the goods for the Bhoys as he closes in on 15 years in the senior fold at Parkhead.

The 33-year-old stands only two trophies away from surpassing Bobby Lennox as Celtic’s all-time most-decorated player should the Bhoys bring home a double this term.

Despite being in and out of the starting line-up, James Forrest is an important squad member under Brendan Rodgers and has registered four assists in his opening 13 appearances of the campaign.

107 goals and 109 assists down in his 508 appearances for the reigning Scottish Premiership champions; the Scotland international has built a legacy few will ever manage to emulate while in Glasgow.

However, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season, Forrest has given an insight regarding what his future could hold at Celtic.

James Forrest addresses his Celtic contract situation

Speaking to MailOnline, Forrest has revealed he is just ‘focusing on the here and now’ amid his contract ticking down at Parkhead and is refusing to take anything for granted at Celtic.

He explained: “I’ve been asked about that a few times but right now I am just concentrating on being involved with the team. I am enjoying it as much as I ever have and I’m just focusing on the here and now.

“Maybe I’ll start thinking about it afterwards towards the end of the season. I’ve not done my coaching badges yet but I’ve spoken to players who have and there’s maybe time to look at it in the next year or so. But I don’t want to take my mind off playing just yet.”

Forrest continued: “During that period when I wasn’t involved in the team before that, I was maybe wondering if I’d ever play for Celtic again. Now it’s a case of not taking anything for granted. You look at the end of last season, being involved, winning the league and the Scottish Cup.

“Even just going away in pre-season again this year. I’m not saying it’s a second chance, but you maybe felt like you might be done. I think that’s why I am really enjoying it. Is it a case of soaking it up? Absolutely, 100 percent.

“That spell out, I’ve probably never had that in my career before. I was thinking if I get back in, just make sure I really enjoy it and take it in.”

James Forrest worthy of a Celtic contract situation

Despite the ever-changing landscape of the Celtic dressing room, having familiar faces like Forrest in the building helps to maintain standards across the board.

Not only has he proven he still has something to offer on the pitch, but his off-field wisdom and experience is bound to rub off on his teammates.

For instance, Nicolas Kuhn talks up Forrest’s ‘unbelievable’ ability and advice at the club, which helped him settle in at Parkhead after a difficult early period following his move from Rapid Vienna.

You get the impression the Lennoxtown graduate isn’t finished making history yet, so it makes sense to explore dealing him in beyond this campaign.