JAMES FORREST is one of only seven players across all Scottish clubs to have scored in THIRTEEN consecutive seasons since the Premier League era kicked off in 1975.
It’s a phenomenal record for a performer who is not an out-and-out striker and the wily winger is also one of an elite group of 30 Celtic stars to have netted over 100 goals for the Hoops.
Forrest achieved the breathtaking feat with an eye-catching hat-trick in the 6-1 romp against Hibs at Parkhead just over a year ago.
ONE DOWN AND NINETY-NINE TO GO…James Forrest opens his goal account against Motherwell over 13 years ago.
Back on May 1 2010, the one-club man got the ball rolling in the sixth minute of his first appearance. He was given the nod by Neil Lennon to make his debut when he was sent on as an 81st-minute replacement for Aiden McGeady.
Within moments, the cherubic-faced teenager had executed a sublime first-time lob beyond startled Motherwell keeper John Ruddy for the final counter in a 4-0 victory.
Forrest, now 32 and the winner of an emphatic 22 honours, currently sits on a total of 101 strikes and he aims to fill in a blank in his career as swiftly as possible.
The sprightly touchline performer has yet to get off the mark in this campaign.
Forrest, who is under contract until June 2025, was robbed of the significant addition to his tally when he clattered a close-range shot off the Hibs crossbar in last weekend’s scoreless stalemate at Easter Road.
OFF TARGET…James Forrest sees a shot flash past the Hibs post with David Marshall stranded in the 0-0 draw.
Maybe, just maybe, the player would have ripped a hole in the net a year or so ago, but, alas, Father Time is a resolute opponent no sportsman has ever been able to overcome.
There ARE more goals to come from Forrest. Most assuredly not as plentiful, but he still has the unerring ability to find pockets of valuable space in packed penalty areas and the rewards will come.
A goal in the Highlands today would be a welcome – and timely – addition to the player’s impressive haul.
* DON’T miss the unbeatable match report and best in action images from Ross County v Celtic this afternoon – only in your champion CQN.