JAMES FORREST will be handed his TWENTY-SIXTH medal on Flag Day at Celtic Park on Saturday May 17.
A week later, the 33-year-old evergreen winger will hope to be presented with No.27 at Hampden.
The 55th title is on its way and only the most pedantic of mathematicians would try to mount an argument against that fact.
Forrest will collect his THIRTEENTH championship honour when the club’s 55th successful Premiership crusade comes to a halt at the presentation at the conclusion of another breathtaking term.
The SPFL are due to release the fixture list this week after the top six split, so the opponents remain unknown at the moment.
JOY BHOYS…James Forrest congratulates Alistair Johnston after the defender’s goal in the 3-0 win over Motherwell at Fir Park in October.
Likewise, there is still some work to be done in the Scottish Cup before anyone can start making plans for Saturday May 24 at the national stadium when the club could break their own world record of eight trebles.
It will also be Celtic’s 121st major piece of silverware which eclipsed any other team performing in a major league.
Forrest made his first start of 2025 in the 5-1 win over Kilmarnock on Saturday after overcoming the injury he sustained in the Premier Sports League Cup triumph over Ibrox opposition in mid-December.
The wide Bhoy is hoping to get the nod again from Brendan Rodgers to face St Johnstone in the semi-final of the national competition at Hampden on Sunday following the previous day’s clash between Aberdeen and Hearts.
Forrest stresses it is all about the team and the collective glory of Celtic, but, on a personal level, he has a target he hopes to fulfil.
The touchline ace has netted in every season since he scored his first on his debut as a second-half substitute for Aiden McGeady in a 4-0 victory over Motherwell at Parkhead on May 1 2010.
He has now amassed a stupendous 108 strikes for the Hoops – but has yet to register in this campaign with the clocking ticking.
BY THE RIGHT…James Forrest thumps in one of his double as he leads Celtic to a 2-1 win over Dundee at Dens Park in April last year.
There are five games to go plus the possibility of two in the Scottish Cup and Forrest is aiming to get on the scoresheet somewhere along the way to the finishing line.
It looked as though the elusive strike was on its way in Perth eight days ago. With the champions trailing 1-0 to St Johnstone, Adam Idah slid in an inviting low ball from the right and Forrest was presented with most of the goal in front of him.
However, from six yards, he clattered his effort against keeper Andy Fisher and he ruefully reflected: “That’s probably been my best chance this season.
“It was one of those days that can see the ball hit off my heel and go the other way and go in.”
Maybe the Silver Celt will have better luck against Fisher when they come face to face again in the Cup showdown on Sunday and the veteran Hoops star continued: “It’s a great stat I’ve had for so many seasons.
“Obviously, in my position you want to assist and score, so I want to do it for that reason, as well.
THREE CHEERS…James Forrest and Reo Hatate follow Cameron Carter-Vickers as the Celtic players celebrate the Premier Sports League Cup penalty-kick shoot-out triumph at Hampden in December.
“It just shows consistency throughout the years. Obviously, I’m still digging in and keep coming back year after year.
“If it happens, great. If it doesn’t, it’s still good up to now. I’ll work hard to end the season and, hopefully, try and contribute and get a goal.
“I don’t want to get to that stage that I’m put on penalties, though!”
Forrest, speaking to the Daily Record, continued: “Everyone knows how hard the players and staff work. Maybe, though, as you’re older you actually think about it more and realise what you’re doing more.
“When you’re young, you’re just taking everything in your stride and not really thinking about it, just enjoying playing.
“But I feel as though when you’re older, you definitely do think about it more and realise how big a club this is and how much it means to everyone.”
Forrest, of course, is taking nothing for granted as the holders prepare for Sunday’s semi-final and he added: “We know because of last week that St Johnstone is going to be a hard game.
“I think for us it’s important that we start like we did on Saturday.
“It’s a good marker and we have to take that into the weekend.”
Forrest could carry on collecting medals at Celtic – he still has a year to run on his present contract.
