Long-time Celtic servant James Forrest says he will never allow himself to get comfortable at the club. The winger, who will soon celebrate his 28th birthday, is about to embark on his 10th season in the Hoops.
Only Scott Brown has played more games than Forrest in the last decade, and that’s not by coincidence. The Scotland international says it’s all about his mindset and making sure he’s motivated to improve.
He told the Evening Times: “Being content is good but I won’t get to the stage where I am comfortable. The club is always looking to sign new players and there is competition.
“Celtic always look to get better and that keeps you on your toes every season.
“We’ve had a few managers here who have said the same thing. They’ve warned that as soon as you get comfortable that’s when it turns –and someone else ends up in the team in front of you.”
Forrest has become a leading Celtic man
Forrest has improved remarkably over the past three seasons, to the extent that he is now going into the new season as perhaps our most important player.
The winger has netted 17 goals in each of his last two seasons for the club and will fancy his chances of reaching 20 this coming year. If he does that then he’ll be just eight short of joining Celtic’s century club.
He’s scored big goals in big games under Neil Lennon too. In the Northern Irishman’s first spell, Forrest was the man who lofted the ball into the net against Shakhter Karagandy to secure Champions League group stage football.
Last season, he scored three massive goals under Lennon. Forrest opened the scoring with screamers in the quarters and semi-finals of the Scottish Cup while his late winner against Rangers was even more crucial.
If he can do the same this coming season, and continue to provide the goods for others, then we should be set for another massive year.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
