James Forrest has his sights set on surpassing Celtic legends rather than giving in to the allure of a move orchestrated by another club icon. The winger revealed that his former teammate, Scott Brown, reached out in hopes of persuading him to join Ayr United before Forrest signed his recent contract extension with Celtic. Despite Brown’s efforts, Forrest politely declined, explaining that he still has unfinished business at Parkhead, particularly in chasing records held by Paul McStay and Jimmy McGrory. Both legends scored in 16 consecutive seasons for the club, a milestone Forrest is determined to match by scoring this season.
Forrest humorously recalled the conversation with Brown: “He called me last January or February and asked if I’d consider coming down. My answer? ‘Just not yet!’ He didn’t even promise me a starting spot, only a chance to compete for one!” Despite the banter, Forrest remains focused on contributing to Celtic. Fans were eager to see him score during Saturday’s 5-0 win against Ross County, but the elusive goal didn’t materialize. Still, the 33-year-old remains optimistic, stating, “As an attacking player, you always want to score and assist. I’m enjoying this season and focusing on helping the team. It’s not just about stats; it’s about making an impact.”
With a chance to extend Celtic’s Premiership lead tonight at Pittodrie, Forrest hopes to end his goal drought. Known for delivering in crucial moments, he remains confident. Reflecting on his track record, Forrest noted, “I’ve scored big goals against Aberdeen before, like last season’s strike in the Scottish Cup semi-final. It was a turning point for me and the team, sparking a strong finish to the campaign.”
Forrest’s commitment to Celtic was rewarded with a contract extension, and his physical performance remains top-tier. Despite being 33, his speed and endurance rival younger teammates like Daizen Maeda and Nicolas Kuhn. Looking ahead, Forrest is open to continuing his career for as long as his body and form allow. “You go through phases in your career where you feel better or worse physically, but right now, I feel great. As long as I’m contributing and the club sees value in me, I’ll keep pushing.”
Forrest remains pragmatic about the future but focused on the present. “I’ve seen players like Aiden McGeady stay sharp into their mid-30s. You never know how long you’ll last, but for now, my priority is giving everything I have to Celtic.” With that mindset, Forrest is determined to keep writing his legacy at Parkhead.
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