EVERGREEN winger James Forrest has counted in the new Bhoys – and counted them out – in his 16 trophy-laden Celtic career.
The 35-year-old one-club man, the most decorated player in Hoops history with 28 honours, has given the thumbs up to latest recruit Camilo Duran.
The Colombian striker scored in his second successive appearance since his £5.5million arrival from Qarabag when he walloped in the equaliser in the 1-1 friendly draw against Middlesbrough at Parkhead yesterday.
Forrest got a close-up view of the pulverising effort as his new team-mate accepted a pass from Luke McCowan and unhesitatingly fired a shot into the roof of the net.
HANDS UP IF YOU’RE A WINNER…James Forrest has hailed new Bhoy Camilo Duran.
The veteran Celt said: “I thought Duran was really good. He’s looked sharp in training.
“He got his goal from pressing against Sporting Lisbon the other night and it was a really good finish.
“His hold-up play was really good, as well. It’s exciting, he’s come in and he’s adapted and, hopefully, he can only get better.
“You can tell right away. He looks sharp and nippy and his finishing has been good.
“He’ll be a good addition to the squad.”
Martin O’Neill agreed with Forrest and echoed: “If he stays clear of injury, he will be a big asset.
“He can hold it up, he’s incredibly enthusiastic, he can close players down and he wants to play and improve and I think he will do.”
Looking at the overall picture on the transfer front, Forrest, speaking to the Daily Record, continued: “Right up until the last day of the window, we’ve always signed players.
“There’s maybe like five, six weeks left of the window and maybe two weeks to go before the league.
“The manager and the coaches have said that they want players in and I think it’s just natural.”
PICK IT OUT…Camilo Duran runs away in triumph after scoring his first Parkhead goal.
Forrest is also eager to see some of the home-grown talent emerge and make an impact in the forthcoming campaign.
Colby Donovan was a success at right-back burst onto the scene last season and Sean McArdle, playing wide right, caught the eye against Boro.
Forrest added: “You’re always wanting big signings and they also get the fans excited.
“But when players do come through the academy and they stay in the team then it’s good for the club, as well.
“Colby did really well last year in his first year coming in and Sean’s done well in pre-season here as well.
“They’ve obviously given the manager and coaches something to think about.”
Next up, it’s Serie A cracks AC Milan at Parkhead on Saturday before the competitive action gets underway with the visit of Dundee in the Premiership opener a fortnight tomorrow.
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