Serial winners v Cereal losers – James Forrest has a vital part to play in Celtic’s double push

The Celtic Star

·17 April 2024

Serial winners v Cereal losers – James Forrest has a vital part to play in Celtic’s double push

Serial winner James Forrest still has a part to play both on and off the park during the run in as Celtic look to secure a Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup double.

It’s clear that Jamesy is nearing the end of his Celtic playing career. Approaching his 33rd birthday he’s not at the retirement stage yet, but I think it’s fair to say his best days are well and truly behind him.

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James Forrest scores his team’s third goa during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and St. Johnstone at Celtic Park on 16 March, 2024. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Brendan Rodgers still rates him as the best winger at the club but takes about the intensity of the game and the ability to track back, which is not now what it once was as far as Jamesy is concerned.

James’s game was based on his blistering pace, but sadly fourteen years of playing at the top level has took its toll on him and he’s no longer the pacy players he once was.

But James Forrest still has a lot to contribute to the club, especially at such a vital part of the campaign. He’s looked sharp in his last few appearances from the bench and he can still play a part in our remaining games, especially with Daizen Maeda out for the remainder of the season.

Ross County v Celtic – James Forrest celebrates scoring during the Premiership match in Dingwall on Saturday November 4, 2023. Photo Steve Welsh

And he has a real predator’s eye for goal and just about every time he comes off the bench he manages to get a shot away. Given the chance Jamesy can score important late goals coming on as a substitute.

Not only is his experience beneficial on the park, but off it too. James has seen and done it all at the club. He’s won every domestic honour on multiple occasions and he’s been involved in his fair share of title battles. He has always been humble and his feet have never left the ground as a result of his incredibly successful playing career.

That experience will stand him in good stead and along with the likes of Calum McGregor and Joe Hart he can be an inspiration to the rest of his teammates who can only benefit from their valuable experience.

Ross County v Celtic – James Forrest celebrates scoring during the Premiership match in Dingwall on Saturday November 4, 2023. Photo Steve Welsh

Celtic go into these last remaining games with the experience of Hart, Forrest and McGregor – all proven winners. Compare and contract with Tavernier and Goldston across the city, who have won three medals in seven campaigns. It’s a case of serial winners v cereal losers in the race for the title.

What happens in the summer as far as Jamesy is concerned we’ll have to wait and see. But in the meantime he’ll be contributing one way or another to help make this yet another success season. A league and cup double is on offer. Fancy it, Jamesy? You better believe he does.

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Serial winners v Cereal losers – James Forrest has a vital part to play in Celtic’s double push | OneFootball