Simon Donnelly says there is a ‘fantastic pro’ at Celtic he is ‘envious’ of

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Former Celtic striker, Simon Donnelly, has admitted that there is one player at Celtic right now that he is slightly jealous of.

That seems like a remarkable statement to make considering Donnelly was part of the famous Wim Jansen team that won the league in 1997 to stop Rangers’ bid for ten in a row.

Donnelly also won the League Cup that season and he was also part of the Celtic team that ended the club’s six-year trophy drought in 1995 when Pierre van Hooijdonk headed the winning goal in the 1-0 Hampden win over Airdrie.

But when you see why Donnelly is envious of this player then you can understand why.

Donnelly ‘can’t speak highly enough’ of James Forrest

Against Rangers last weekend, James Forrest made his 500th appearance for Celtic in the 3-0 Glasgow Derby win.

Coming on as a 72nd-minute substitute, Forrest made another piece of Celtic history to already add to his iconic and legendary status at the club. And Donnelly couldn’t hide his awe for the 33-year-old.

Donnelly told the Official Celtic FC Podcast, “Terrific, terrific. I cannot speak highly enough of the guy. I keep going on record that I remember, I think it was in the States in pre-season, his first season and it was the pace, he had an electric pace.

“To keep in that team over that period of time and achieve what James has achieved and it’s not always been plain sailing.

“He’s had injuries at different times. And last season I think there was talk of him potentially going out somewhere to get games and he hung in and came back into the team towards the tail end last season and was one of the top players.

“He actually galvanized, I think it was the Aberdeen game where he came off the bench in the cup game and he galvanized it and he kept his place in the team right up until the end of the season.

“Fantastic pro, somebody who with all the wide guys on the books, you would be looking to learn off in training and the way he goes about his business.

“To get 500 appearances, over 100 goals, over 100 assists, I’m a wee bit envious.”

James Forrest is a true Celtic hero

The original one-club man, Forrest has had a remarkable career at Celtic since joining the youth academy in 2003.

Now at 500 appearances for Celtic, Forrest’s medal collection is truly remarkable as he is one of the club’s most decorated players.

With 24 medals to his name, Forrest has the opportunity this season to draw level and even overtake legendary Lisbon Lion, Bobby Lennox’s haul of 25 should Brendan Rodgers’ team win more than one domestic honour this season.

Forrest’s Celtic career has been incredible and with his contract set to expire at the end of this season, Rodgers has a decision to make on whether or not to extend the winger’s time in Paradise beyond 2025.