EVERGREEN James Forrest has been involved in FIVE treble-winning seasons that have seen Celtic claim the world record of eight domestic clean sweeps.
The 33-year-old winger, who has collected a staggering 25 medals during his slalom through the silverware since making his debut in 2009/10, has his sights set on being part of six campaigns of total domination of Scottish football.
Forrest came on as an extra-time substitute for Nicolas Kuhn in the Hoops’ Premier Sports League Cup penalty-kick triumph over Rangers in mid-December to get the ball rolling on the trophy quest.
HERE WE GO AGAIN…James Forrest (extreme right in front of Kasper Schmeichel) celebrates his 25th medal after Celtic’s Premier Sports League Cup Final triumph at Hampden in December 2024.
And the Scotland international had not been seen since that dramatic Hampden shoot-out success until he replaced Filipe Jota in the 81st minute of the 3-0 win over Hearts at Parkhead on Saturday.
Now Forrest is looking to make up for lost time with seven Premiership games to play as Brendan Rodgers’ men, 13 points ahead at the pinnacle, surge towards an inevitable fourth successive title, their thirteenth championship in 14 years and their 55th untainted crown in their glorious history.
The holders are due to meet St Johnstone in the Scottish Cup semi-final a fortnight on Sunday with a win securing a grand finale against either Aberdeen or Hearts at Hampden on Saturday May 24 when the coveted treble will be on the line.
The veteran wide Bhoy reflected on the moment at the national stadium almost four months ago when he knew he faced a spell on the sidelines as he admitted: “I was on a couple of minutes and I felt it right away
“I was the last sub on and maybe with the adrenalin in the game you can get through it, but straight after the game I knew it was going to be a bad one.
ROARING SUCCESS…James Forrest congratulates Alistair Johnston after the defender had scored No.2 in the 3-0 win over Motherwell at Fir Park in October.
“It’s just one of those types of injuries, you’re on crutches for six weeks and you need it to heal.
“Obviously, you get setbacks throughout your career, but it makes it even better when you get back and when you start playing you don’t take things for granted.”
Forrest, speaking to Celtic TV, continued: “When you get that type of injury – and, obviously, I’m also a bit older – you’ve got to have the determination and work hard to get back.
“When you see what the boys are producing in the games they’ve played, first and foremost you look to get back training, feeling good and get back in the squad.
“I think any player knows when they’re out for a length of time, all they want to do is get back out there on the pitch with the boys, and I’ve been really enjoying it.
“I managed to get back on the park on Saturday, which was amazing.
CROWNING GLORY…James Forrest and Callum McGregor parade the Premiership trophy in 2023.
“I just want to just keep looking forward to every day, keep working hard and, hopefully, play more games towards the end of the season.”
Forrest is now joint top with Lisbon Lion Bobby Lennox in the personal honours list with his remarkable medal haul – and he’s looking for more.
The one-club man added: “It would motivate anyone. When you’ve been at this club from a young age, it’s always about wanting to be the best team in Scotland, you want to strive to keep winning games and winning trophies.
“I think all of the lads over the years have done really well and I’m just glad to be a small part of that.”
