Competition for places makes Celtic stronger, says James Forrest

In partnership with

The Celtic Star

·30 October 2024

Competition for places makes Celtic stronger, says James Forrest

Celtic veteran James Forrest believes that competition for places has only made the squad grow stronger following an impressive start to the season…

Luke McCowan celebrates his goal with James Forrest. Photo Vagelis Georgariou for The Celtic Star

Registering four assists in 13 appearances so far this campaign, the Celtic legend has become a utility man for Brendan Rodgers as he enters into his final year of his contract.

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Forrest has morphed into Mr Reliable

Under Rodgers, Forrest has morphed into Mr Reliable. Albeit going under appreciated, the 33 year-old’s experienced head in the dressing room is worthy of major credit. Having that calm personality who is well-versed in domestic action, and all of the outside noise is a useful tool that Celtic have at their disposal in Forrest.

In September, Forrest who has been a one-club man for 15 years of his career made his landmark 500th appearance against theRangers in a memorable 3-0 derby win at the beginning of last month.

Victoria Park, Dingwall, Scottish Premiership Ross County versus Celtic; James Forrest of Celtic. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Closing in on Bobby Lennox’s record

508 appearances, 107 goals and 109 assists later and Forrest is still here focusing on winning the next match for his boyhood club. On Saturday, should he reach the final of the Scottish League Cup by defeating Aberdeen, he will only be one game away from matching Bobby Lennox’s all-time Hoops record of 25 trophy triumphs. Realistically, Forrest can become the most decorated Celt by the end of this season.

Importantly though, the 33 year-old who impressed on Sunday at Fir Park, will be looking to retain a starting spot for tonight’s Scottish Premiership clash with Dundee at Paradise.

Matteo Ruggeri of Atalanta BC is challenged by James Forrest of Celtic FC during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Atalanta BC and Celtic FC at Stadio di Bergamo on October 23, 2024 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Rotation welcomed by Jamesy

Meanwhile, on the topic of rotation, he welcomed the approach Brendan Rodgers has been pursuing this season of using the big squad that is available to the Irishman.

Speaking to the press yesterday afternoon, Forrest said, “It’s good for the manager and players to use the squad. Maybe for the first four games of the season we had a week to every game, but now the games are coming thick and fast. And at a big club like Celtic, you are in every competition, and all the boys are looking forward to it. I’ve been really enjoying my football, I had a good pre-season and I’m enjoying helping the team when I’ve been involved.”

James Forrest in action against Motherwell. Photo Vagelis Georgariou for The Celtic Star

“It shows the confidence we have in the squad and you can make two or three changes with different personnel for different games as well, and over the next couple of months that’s definitely going to help us. I’ve been at Celtic for years now, and that’s always been the case. I think especially in the forward positions it’s good to have more options and freshen it up at times as well.”

“It keeps everyone on their toes and you know that when you get a chance you need to perform and help the team, and so far this season all of the boys have been doing that.”

With the games coming thick and fast and tonight’s encounter against Dundee being the first of three games in three separate competitions, Rodgers will have to use his squad wisely. Tony Docherty’s side shouldn’t be posing much of a threat, which is why it almost feels like a perfect opportunity for Brendan to rotate once again.

Conor Spence

Celtic in the Thirties (Volumes One and Two) are both published next Tuesday 5th November. Order your signed copies now and treasure these landmark Celtic titles brilliantly researched and written by Matt Cor. Order at Celticstarbooks.com…