James Forrest has paid tribute to Martin O’Neill and Neil Lennon.
Few have a better knowledge of what a winning Celtic team looks like than the 34-year-old. He is, of course, the most decorated player in the club’s history.
He was handed his first team debut by Lennon in 2010, scoring against Motherwell. Now, he is gearing up to face him in the Scottish Cup final 16 years later.
And ahead of a final which is sure to be billed as a clash of two Celtic titans, Forrest has spoken highly of both.
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James Forrest says Martin O’Neill reminds him of Neil Lennon at Celtic
Asked about O’Neill after Celtic’s win over St Mirren on Sunday, Forrest said: “Whatever he decides to do in the summer, we can send him away on a high.
“Until he came here, I had never met him. But I love him, he’s been really good for me.
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“He reminds me of Lenny the way he manages, he likes direct wingers. He’s really helped me, and I’ve loved working under him. Me and the boys really want to come together and win it for him.”
Asked about his assist for Kelechi Iheanacho’s first goal in a flurry of extra time goals, he said: “It was all about the cross, that set it all up!
“But it’s good that I came on and helped the team, made an impact on the game.
“That’s where you want to be – at the business end of the season, being at Hampen and getting ourselves into a final to look forward to.
“It was dramatic. Obviously, being 2-0 up at half-time, we hoped we would come out in the second half and get the first goal but obviously, we’ve always had tough games against St Mirren, especially the last three or four times we’ve played them.
“Fair play to them – they came back into the game and made us work hard for it. But the boys stuck together and we got through it in the end in extra time.
“You’ve been and done it. But the players, any new signings, new boys coming through at Celtic, you quickly realise how big every game you play is, and especially a semi-final or final.
“You’re expected to win, and then it’s onto the next one. The boys dug in.”
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James Forrest’s contract situation
Forrest has voiced his intention to stay at Celtic beyond the end of the season, despite the fact that his contract expires in a few months.
Aged 34, he has been involved in 36 games for the Hoops this season. He may usually appear as substitute, but his contribution can’t be avoided.
Forrest scored for an 18th consecutive season with his goal against Aberdeen in December. At this point, it’s impossible to picture him playing for any other club.
He has also left the door open to staying at the club in a coaching capacity.
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