“I’m going to give it everything until I finish,” James Forrest

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The Celtic Star

·24. April 2026

“I’m going to give it everything until I finish,” James Forrest

James Forrest says his drive at Celtic remains as strong as ever, with the Hoops icon focused on continuing to add to the club’s trophy haul…

The 34-year-old has signed a new one-year contract, extending his stay into an 18th season. Already the most decorated player in the club’s history with 26 trophies, Forrest has made 564 appearances and scored in every one of his 17 campaigns so far.

While some might question what is left for him to achieve, Forrest has no intention of slowing down. Embracing the belief that success only fuels further ambition, he remains keen to keep winning and building on his legacy.

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Speaking via Celtic TV, Forrest said: “When Brendan Rodgers first came in, he always said that when you win a trophy, you get hungry, you enjoy it, and you want more. That is just how the club has been, especially during my time here.

“The feeling is unbelievable. I’ve had a real tight group in every dressing room. The fans everywhere you go are unbelievable. You get addicted to playing here and the feeling of playing for this club.

“Looking back at the last couple of years, the stuff we’ve done is really good, but while I’m still playing, I hope I can still keep contributing and helping the team. I’m going to give it everything until I finish. When I do stop, I will look back on so many great memories, but hopefully, I can make a few more before then.”

Even with those milestones to his name, Forrest could still have more history to make. Another goal next season would see him match the long-standing record of 18 consecutive scoring campaigns set by Jimmy McMenemy.

Celtic’s Napoleon Jimmy McMenemy, image by Celtic Curio for Celtic in the Thirties, available at Celticstarbooks.com

When questioned on whether that target provides extra motivation, Forrest said: “Not really, to be honest. Since I’ve got older, people tell me different stats and things I’ve done. It is really good to hear, and once I finish, I’ll maybe look into it more.”

“When you are here, things are relentless. You are in a cup semi-final one weekend and then right back to the league. I don’t think too far ahead with stuff like that.”

“I’ve felt good this year. I like how I’ve performed when I’ve come in to help the team, and hopefully, I can do that for the remainder of the season.”

“I’ve signed for next year as well. When you get older, you become a part of the squad that helps out the younger boys and the staff.”

“I want to come back for pre-season and keep contributing. I don’t know if it will be my last year; we will see how I feel and what the club decides.”

James Forrest during Celtic’s 6-2 Scottish Cup semi-final win over St Mirren at Hampden on Sunday 19 April 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou

Now hopefully Jamesy will finish the season with a flurry like he did a few years back to break Clement’s chances and lead Celtic to another title. Come on Jamesy! A wee song is needed for the Celtic legend tomorrow folks…

Conor Spence

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