"Special player, even better person"; Joe Hart pays tribute to Celtic teammate on Instagram

By John McGinley

October 16, 2022

Joe Hart has used his regular post-matchday Instagram post to pay tribute to teammate James Forrest after a superb hat-trick for Celtic against Hibernian yesterday.

Forrest was in lightning form, scoring his first hat-trick for the Bhoys since 2018 and entering the hallowed 100-goal club, just one of 30 men to do so in Celtic’s entire history.

After the match, Hart said on Instagram: “All about one man today. Special player, even better person. You can’t buy loyalty… what a man, what a club.”

James Forrest has a brilliant chance for a second Celtic wind

It’s fair to say Forrest’s role at the club has reduced in recent years, whether because of injury or just because the club have gone out to buy players such as Jota and Daizen Maeda.

Yesterday was a brilliant reminder of his abilities, however. Whether it’s in the upcoming Scottish League Cup trip or another post-European encounter, Forrest can play an important squad role, coming into the team when Postecoglou feels it needs freshening up.

Now he’s in the 100 club, Forrest also has the chance to move further up the list of all-time Celtic scorers. If he is ambitious and hungry, he can definitely add a significant number to his tally before his contract expires in 2025.

Hart is certainly making it clear he is also a popular member of the dressing room too. That’s as important as anything – the manager will want the right make up of squad both in terms of ability but also leadership and personality too.

It’s great to see the goalkeeper pay tribute and hopefully it’s all just the start for Forrest this season.

In other news, Celtic’s adaptable livewire has made it impossible for Postecoglou to drop him.