Celtic kept their Scottish Premiership title dreams on course by narrowly defeating Dundee yesterday on Tayside.
Brendan Rodgers’ men had to soak up pressure against Tony Docherty’s outfit, with both sharing an equal number of shots on target and the home side edging ‘big chances’ created by four to two; however, the Bhoys prevailed after showing resilience to ward off any late fightback.
On a day when quality ultimately told, James Forrest showed why he is still regarded by his boss as the most talented winger at Lennoxtown. He produced two decisive moments in a match otherwise bereft of ingenuity.
Post-match, Rodgers lauded the experienced winger for his wider contribution at the club, as he stated: “Two great finishes. I said to the players afterwards that he has been one of the fathers of the great success that this club has had over the last decade, what he’s given on and off the pitch.”
Of course, some aspects of our performance in the City of Discovery created a sense of apprehension among supporters; nevertheless, title-winning sides find a way to win, no matter how it may look on the eye.
Next up, Celtic await Heart of Midlothian at Parkhead this Saturday, where a victory would be enough to open up a six-point gap at the top ahead of Rangers’ home clash against Kilmarnock the next day.
Brendan Rodgers lauds James Forrest example in Celtic training
As supporters of a club the stature of Celtic, we aren’t privy to so many aspects of life behind the scenes at Lennoxtown as the reigning Scottish Premiership champions operate a tight ship.
Speaking on BBC Sportsound yesterday pre-match, Rodgers moved to shed light on eventual match-winner Forrest’s influential role in everyday training.
Citing his high level of quality in training, the former Liverpool manager indicated that the 32-year-old acts as an ‘inspiration’ for the rest of his group due to exuding exceptional professionalism and consistency.
Rodgers explained: “I think just his experience and the quality that he has. You know, there’s a lot made about James not playing so much this year, but he’s actually, I think today, he’ll have played the same as what he did last season. And I’m not sure whether that was enough or not.
“But certainly, what he does is he provides great experience, his level in training, the players see that and the new players see that and of course, when you look at how well he’s decorated at such a big club and to have played for Celtic for that length of time and to be that successful you have to be consistently very, very good. And James obviously provides that inspiration for the other players.”
James Forrest is one of Celtic’s remaining standard-bearers
Celtic have dominated Scottish football across the 21st century, and Forrest has been a pivotal contributor over his 15 seasons at senior level, racking up 22 major honours on the books at Parkhead.
If he contributes to the Bhoys’ potentially winning two trophies in 2023/24, he would become the second most decorated individual at the club, overtaking legendary figures Scott Brown and Billy McNeill.
Bobby Lennox tops the pile with 25 trophies to his name, and Forrest would be one medal off matching his tally in this scenario, which would be a remarkable achievement.