The Celtic youth system has produced some supreme talent over the years, and James Forrest will go down as one of the club’s finest academy products in recent memory.
Now 33 years of age, the Prestwick-born man has registered 109 goals and 107 assists in 511 appearances across all competitions, surpassing the half-century mark.
Hailing from the Lennoxtown ranks, James Forrest is Celtic’s second all-time most decorated player and will surpass Bobby Lennox to become the club’s number one trophy-laden asset should the Bhoys deliver a double this campaign.
Intriguingly, Forrest is into the last year of his contract at Parkhead, which is a situation that will need to be addressed later down the line as he embarks on the twilight years of his career.
Despite his status as the most experienced player at Celtic, many will remember when the once fresh-faced prospect burst onto the scene in Glasgow’s east end, becoming an instant hit among supporters due to his pace and ability to burst pass his opposition marker.
Taking a trip down memory lane, Stephen O’Donnell has delivered some fascinating insight into what he was like to play with at youth level.
Stephen O’Donnell on playing alongside James Forrest
Speaking on Open Goal, O’Donnell labelled Forrest’s ability while playing alongside the veteran winger in the Celtic youth set-up as a ‘scandal’ when asked about how much promise he showed before making his first-team breakthrough.
He recounted: “The person that stood out, Jamesy, when we were in (Under) 19’s was a scandal.
“In the tournament I got injured, we played him up front, and it was like camp in, get the ball to Jamesy, and it was Real Madrid, Liverpool, Japan and AC Milan.
“He was running by these guys like they weren’t there as a striker, scored a couple of goals. He was so good and so sharp.”
Later, when asked why Celtic operated in an unfamiliar style, he replied: “We didn’t mean it! They had all the ball, but Jamesy was a joke.”
James Forrest still pulling punches for Celtic
Truthfully, Forrest now plays a more peripheral role compared to his previous standing as an undisputable starter every week. However, the Scotland international is an option Brendan Rodgers trusts to perform whenever called upon.
This campaign, the tricky winger has put up four assists in 590 minutes of competitive action, equating to a goal contribution in less than two games.
Of course, given his age, his game time now has to be managed, but the one-club man can still shoulder the creative burden whether starting or coming off the bench.
With the months ticking down on his contract, you get the impression Celtic will be keen to retain his services to preserve some continuity despite their ever-evolving squad.
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