James Forrest delivers honest verdict on Celtic future

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James Forrest has been quoted by the Scottish Sun as saying that he has never been tempted to leave Celtic, and wants to remain with the Scottish champions as long as possible.

The 27-year-old has enjoyed another impeccable season at Parkhead, having a hand in an enormous 37 goals in all competitions during his 55 league and cup outings. He has scored 17, and laid on 20 assists.

The winger was linked with an £8million move to Liverpool earlier this season by the Sun, but he has remained at Celtic to help the Hoops make it eight successive Scottish Premiership titles in a row.

His contract has three years left to run at Parkhead, and the speed machine stated that he has always wanted to stay at Celtic – even when his contract had six months left before Brendan Rodgers signed him up.

“The last couple of years, I have definitely started to appreciate it more,” Forrest said. “Maybe that’s not the right word, exactly, but I don’t take it for granted — when maybe I did when I was younger.

“I was just playing and not thinking about it. You appreciate it more now. Have I ever been tempted to leave? No.

“I think a couple of years ago I had six months left on my contract — that was the closest I came. There was uncertainty but I always wanted to stay.”

TBR’s view

Forrest is one of three players – along with Mikael Lustig and Scott Brown – to have remained with Celtic throughout eight in a row and is now just three appearances off making 350 outings for Neil Lennon’s side.

His importance is underlined in those stats. Celtic simply must do anything to keep the speed machine, who has consistently churned out performances expected in the Premier League and Champions League.

If Celtic are to reach 10 in a row, keeping Forrest is an absolute must.