‘Never forget’… Scott Allan reveals the ‘incredible’ Celtic star who stunned him during U10s game for Dundee United

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Let’s be frank, Scott Allan’s time at Celtic was disastrous.

Despite growing up a Rangers fan and the Ibrox club failing three times to sign him, he joined the Hoops from Hibs in 2015 after impressing under Alan Stubbs.

But Allan made just 13 league appearances for Celtic over four years, largely because he was sent out on loan for the majority of the time.

The Glaswegian started his career at Dundee United having come through the age ranks there, and he will never forget the opponent he faced for the U10s who went on to become a Celtic legend.

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Allan’s brilliant memory of a young James Forrest

Allan is referring to James Forrest, who was briefly his teammate whilst at Celtic. But they were opponents as kids and Allan recalls the first time he ever played against him.

Forrest was brilliant that day and 20 years later, is now the most decorated Celtic player of all time.

Speaking to The Celtic Way, Allan said: “I will never forget the first time I ever played against Celtic for Dundee United at under-10 level. Walking off the pitch, I said to my dad that a winger playing for Celtic was incredible – it was Jamesy!

“From the age of 10, I played against James all the way through, but the first time I played against him, he had that impact.

“At the time, I felt that I was as good as anybody, so I was very confident, but I have loved Jamesy’s game from the get-go. 

“I think what people forget is to go that length of time at a club, if you take away just his ability, it actually speaks more about the type of teammate you are.

“A good thing for young players to look at is, yes, he’s an outstanding footballer, with good dribbling, close control and end product, but I think one of the biggest things for me is that he has been a good teammate, and Jamesy certainly ticks all the boxes.

“That is why they get their longevity at clubs, as people understand their importance around a team, and Jamesy and obviously Callum (McGregor), who is not far behind him, are of that mould.”

Allan and Forrest played for Celtic during 2015/16

You only have to look at the 2015/16 season to analyse Scott Allan’s time at Celtic, because that’s the only campaign he represented them.

Ronny Deila was the manager at the time as Celtic aimed to secure a fifth Scottish Premiership title in a row with Rangers struggling to get out of the Championship.

Allan made 17 appearances across all competitions for the Bhoys, registering five assists but failing to score a goal.

Forrest, on the other hand, played plenty of games that year. He made 33 appearances, but incredibly he only managed to score twice all season.

Bar the 2009/10 and 2024/25 campaigns, it’s his lowest goal tally in a season at Celtic. He was dropped by Deila in the second half of the season for failing to sign an extended contract.