JAMES FORREST Insists Celtic will not get involved in an action replay of last year’s loss at Ibrox.
The Hoops winger admitted he and his team-mates had to spend three weeks in the mid-winter break suffering the pain of a defeat against Steven Gerrard’s side.
Forrest, speaking to the Daily Record, said: “Last year we went into the break having been beaten. For weeks everyone was still feeling hurt so we want to change that this year.
“Normally, when you lose a game or have a bad result or performance, there’s always a game in three days and everyone believes they can put it right. But it was that waiting for three weeks for the next game.
“We obviously came back and had a really good run.
“We’ve won 11 games in the league now, so we couldn’t be in better form. The Betfred Cup Final was the same when we’d a good run going into that so the boys are feeling good.
“We just need one more big performance before the break and we’ll give it everything to get a result. We want to go into the break in a real positive attitude. It would put us in a good position in all competitions this season.
“No matter what happens the league isn’t finished but it would put us in a great place.”
The winger also boosted his own confidence with a first goal in eight games during the 2-1 Boxing Day triumph over St Mirren in Paisley.
Forrest, who netted the last-gasp winner when the teams last met at Parkhead in March, said: “When you’re an attacking player at Celtic you’re expected to score and provide assists, but the manager’s been really good at encouraging us and we could have scored four or five in our last few games.
“He kept calm and told us we were due some goals. I was happy to get one and help the team.
“I played up front against Hibs and I’ve been used on the left and right flanks and I enjoy playing in any position. It also helps your overall game and makes you better when you go back to your normal position.
“Some boys set themselves targets but I don’t like to look too far ahead. I always look to the next game, not five or 10 matches away, and just concentrate on working hard. I like to contribute.“Is there a goals competition between me and Ryan Christie? No. I don’t want that bet!”
Forrest’s goal against the Paisley side was created by Odsonne Edouard and he feels the Frenchman can be key again tomorrow.
He added: “He’s quality. Ask any of the wingers and forwards at the club and they’ll tell you they really enjoy playing with him.
“You get some strikers who will always looking out for themselves, but Odsonne’s got more about him, which is great for Ryan and myself.
“It doesn’t matter who he plays against, he always produces. That’s the sign of a big player.”
