Ange Postecoglou hailed James Forrest as a Celtic legend after he racked up 100 goals for the club in a 6-1 rout of Hibs.
The Parkhead winger’s hat-trick, along with Giorgos Giakoumakis ’ double and a Daizen Maeda strike, moved the Hoops five points clear of Rangers at the top of the Premiership. It was Forrest’s first start of the campaign and Postecoglou was delighted with his display.
Having already amassed 20 trophies for the club, he's now hit a ton of goals. And his manager insists he’s up there with Celtic’s all-time greats. When asked if Forrest stands alongside Hoops legends, Postecoglou said: “Absolutely. Daizen didn’t score for two games and everyone was on his back. So for James to last as long as he has is testament to his character. He’s humble but still determined to be the best he can be here. It’s great for him because he’s joined an elite club today, 100 goals is fantastic.
“I keep telling players that’s the kind of thing that lasts beyond your career and you reflect on. I wasn’t even aware of it at half-time but I’m sure he was.
“And it wasn’t just James’ goals, his general performance was really good. I don’t know why anyone would doubt him but there was a reason we kept him around. It wasn’t sentimental reasons.
“When you’re putting a squad together it’s the sum of all parts that make it strong. You need players like James. He’s experienced, calm and has quality. He hasn’t had a lot of chances because players in his position have been doing well.
“But I had no doubt that at some stage we would call on him and he would deliver. Over the last few games he’s made impacts coming on so I could see he was ready to go.
“I’m delighted but not surprised. For us, it was really important today with the guys coming in that they added energy.
“Champions League football takes a lot out of you and so we had to make some changes. But the guys like James who came in brought the quality and tempo. I thought it was outstanding.”
Celtic have looked slightly off-colour in their last three Premiership games but they were back to their best against the hapless Hibees.
Postecoglou took another pop at critics who have given them stick for Champions League displays, following Tuesday night’s 2-0 defeat at home to RB Leipzig.
He said: “Some of the reporting around us was ridiculous. I don’t understand it. In terms of our performances at Champions League level, knowing how difficult it is, we’ve fallen short at taking opportunities.
“I understand we need to improve that. But our will and endeavour to play football the way we said we would is there.
“My only fear is the boys lose focus from outside noise saying we’re not playing well. I know we are because all the underlying stuff is there. It’s just about putting it into practice.
“The players were great today, the intensity we showed from the start was brilliant. The quality of football from the lads was excellent.”
Before the game, Postecoglou met up with another club legend in former striker Frank McGarvey, who has been diagnosed with cancer. The Celtic boss says McGarvey helped inspire his side’s emphatic win.
He said: “I caught up with Frank and I’ve got a little connection to him. I was a Liverpool supporter growing up and when King Kenny Dalglish moved to Liverpool my allegiances were to both clubs.
“Then Frank moved from Liverpool to Celtic I followed his career after that. It was great to see him and his kids before the game.
“He’s going through a tough time but he had some strong words about what I needed to do today! He made it clear we should score in the first 20 minutes. Hopefully that lifts his spirits.”
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