After an emphatic penalty shoot-out victory over Rangers in the Scottish League Cup final on Sunday, James Forrest lifted the 25th trophy of his Celtic career.
No other player in Hoops history has amassed more silverware and only the legendary Bobby Lennox of the 1960s and 1970s can match Forrest’s blistering rise.
A product of CelticIn the youth system, Forrest made his senior debut for a team overseen by Neil Lennon in May 2010. By the end of the following season, the boisterous winger had won his first trophy, reaching the final nine minutes of the Cup of Scotland 2011. final against Motherwell.
More than a decade later, the silver flood has not stopped. “I’ve been part of different eras, different teams at Celtic over the years and it’s been a pleasure,” reflected Forrest after helping his boyhood club overcome their Glasgow rivals at Hampden Park.
“And I think if maybe I hadn’t been a part of successful teams, maybe I wouldn’t have been here (as long). I think it’s a great credit to the teams that I’ve been a part of and a lot of people that have well done.working over the years and happy to be a part of it.
“It’s great to be a part of this club on days like this. You see the fans at the end, all the players and staff together, it’s amazing to be a part of. I’ve loved every minute I’ve been here and hopefully there’s more to come.”
At 33, Forrest has been reduced to a substitute role, starting just five of Celtic’s 15 League games this season. The squat striker only came off the bench for the last 15 minutes of normal time in Sunday’s final. However, Forrest has often made the most of his cameos – his league-leading tally of four assists can only be bettered by one of his teammates.
Forrest has won the League Cup six times, along with seven Scottish Cup triumphs and 12 top-flight titles.
When it came to Sunday’s shootout, Forrest was relieved he hadn’t been called to surrender rangers. “I was next,” the veteran admitted after the game, “so I’m glad Daizen (Maeda) scored!”
