JAMES FORREST is zeroing in on Peter Grant’s Celtic appearance record.
The evergreen Hoops winger, who was honoured with a testimonial match which was won 3-2 against Athletic Bilbao, has played 467 games for the first team since his goalscoring debut in a 4-0 home league win over Motherwell on May 1 2010.
Former fans’ favourite Grant, now 57, was in attendance to watch 32-year-old Forrest, who has won 22 honours at the club, play 49 minutes of the match against the Spanish aces at rain-lashed Parkhead last night.
When it was put to the one-time midfield dynamo that Forrest was now only a handful of games away from smashing his total, the club great told Celtic TV: “Listen, I hope he goes and breaks it, that’s for sure.
TEARS AND CHEERS…Peter Grant can’t disguise his emotions as he is congratulated by Tommy Burns after the 1995 Scottish Cup Final triumph over Airdrie at Hampden.
“He deserves it with the medals he’s had. I wasn’t fortunate enough to do that, but he deserves to be up with there with the icons, as I call them.
“Unfortunately, I wasn’t in that position with them. He’s been here for a long time and he’s been a great credit to the club which is more important.”
Grant, who won six medals at the Hoops during the team’s lean years, added: “James has been a fantastic success at the club. When you look at his medal collection it’s phenomenal.
“I look back and say I was fortunate every manager picked me. That’s the thing I reflect on with pride more than anything else.”
Forrest can add to his tally on Saturday when the treble winners kick off the 2023/24 Premiership encounter with Ross County at Parkhead on Saturday with a 12.30pm start.
There is a fabulous opportunity for Celtic supporters to spend time in Grant’s company at Malones Bar in Glasgow this Friday – the day before the champions go in search of their twelfth title in 13 years.
The Hoops hero will be in conversation with Natasha Meikle with live music provided by Liam McGrandles.
* An Evening with Peter Grant details.
‘IT’S EVERYONE’S NIGHT,’ FORREST SHARES THE PRAISE
