Celtic veteran James Forrest made his much-anticipated return from injury during Saturday’s Scottish Premiership victory over Hearts.
The 33-year-old, who has spent his entire career at Celtic, had been sidelined since sustaining an injury during the Scottish League Cup final last December.
Forrest, a product of the club’s academy, has been a key figure for Celtic since making his first-team debut in 2010. Over the years, his pace, technical ability, and knack for scoring crucial goals have made him a fan favourite.
With more than 100 goals to his name and a rewarding career filled with silverware, he remains one of the most decorated players in Celtic’s modern history.
After a demanding training session at Lennoxtown as the Hoops prepare to take on St Johnstone in Perth this weekend, Forrest spoke about his recovery journey and the excitement of being back on the pitch.
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“It’s been really good,” he told Celtic TV. “That’s me been training for maybe two-and-a-half to three weeks now, and I’ve been really enjoying it. 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.”
Forrest made a late appearance against Hearts and instantly felt the significance of returning to action after such a frustrating period on the treatment table following that penalty shootout victory at Hampden Park on December 15.
“I think I was maybe on a couple of minutes and I felt it right away,” he recalled. “I was the last sub on, and maybe with the adrenaline in the game, you can get through it, but straight after the game, I knew it was going to be a bad one.”
The experienced winger endured a lengthy rehabilitation period, spending six weeks on crutches before working his way back to fitness. Now fully recovered, he is eager to make an impact in the remainder of the campaign.
“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,” Forrest said.
“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 keep looking forward to every day, keep working hard, and hopefully play more games towards the end of the season.”
Forrest’s return comes after he secured his 25th major trophy with the League Cup triumph before his injury, drawing level with Celtic icon Bobby Lennox for the most medals won at the club.
“It would motivate anyone,” Forrest said. “When you’ve been at this club from a young age, it’s always about wanting to be the best team in Scotland. 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.”
“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,” he said.
“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. Throughout the season, you play so many games, so it’s good to have that depth and quality.”
As Celtic continue their pursuit of more domestic silverware, Forrest’s experience and winning mentality could prove invaluable in the final stretch of the season.
