Pedal to the medal for James Forrest in exclusive Celtic TV interview | OneFootball

James Forrest made a welcome return to action on Saturday when he replaced Jota in the 81st minute of Celtic’s 3-0 win over Hearts.

That was the winger’s first appearance since the League Cup final win over Rangers in mid-December when he also made a sub appearance late in the game, and he told Celtic TV in an exclusive interview that he’s delighted to be back in action.

Sitting down for the interview at Lennoxtown after another rigorous training session in the warm spring sunshine, he said of his recent progress: “It’s been really good.

“I think any player knows when they’re out for a length of time, all they want to do is get back out there on the pitch with the boys, and I’ve been really enjoying it.”

While Celtic players and supporters alike left Hampden on League Cup final day with a spring in their step, Forrest departed rather gingerly with his leg strapped in a protective boot, and he knew right away that this wasn’t a short-term injury.

He said: “I think I was maybe on a couple of minutes and I felt it right away

“I was the last sub on and maybe with the adrenalin in the game you can get through it, but straight after the game I knew it was going to be a bad one.

“It’s just one of those types of injuries, you’re on crutches for six weeks and you need it to heal.

“Obviously you get setbacks throughout your career, but it makes it even better when you get back, and when you start playing you don’t take things for granted.”

He added: “When you get that type of injury, and obviously I’m a bit older as well, you’ve got to have the determination and work hard to get back.

“When you see what the boys are producing in the games they’ve played, first and foremost you look to get back training, feeling good and get back in the squad.

“I managed to get back on the park on Saturday as well, which was amazing.

“I just want to just keep looking forward to every day, keep working hard and hopefully play more games towards the end of the season.”

That League Cup win gave Forrest an astounding 25th top-level winner’s medal, drawing level with Lisbon Lion, Bobby Lennox at the top of the Celtic medal charts, and the incentive is definitely there for more.

The long-serving Celt said: “It would motivate anyone. When you’ve been at this club from a young age, it’s always about wanting to be the best team in Scotland, and it’s obviously a big club, so you want to strive to keep winning games and winning trophies.

“The manager the first time really brought it in as well that you don’t want to celebrate too much when you win one, because you know how good it is and you want more of it.

“I think all of the lads over the years have done really well, and I’m just glad to be a small part of that.”

Another ever-present over the years to join his record-equalling medal haul has been his determination to fight for a first-team place despite some pretty formidable competition on the wing berths.

Forrest said:  “Since I’ve come through, making my debut when I was 18 right until now, at this club there’s always been really good wingers and there’s always been competition for places.

“I think if you asked all the other lads as well, it’s good for the manager and the coaches that you’ve got so many good options, and throughout the season as well, you play so many games, so it’s good to have that depth and quality.”

Subscribe to Celtic TV

Fixtures

St. Johnstone Vs. Celtic - Sun, Apr 6th 2025, 12:00