Celtic winger James Forrest produced some late heroics this season as the Bhoys went on to claim a domestic double.
The 32-year-old ended the campaign with seven goals and two assists in 28 appearances across all competitions [Transfermarkt].
This total is made even more credible when factoring in that Forrest has only started eight times under Brendan Rodgers, who intelligently managed his time on the field following a frustrating few years ravaged by setbacks for the Scotland international.
Earning a recall to the national set-up under Steve Clarke, the Prestwick-born man has enjoyed a renaissance in Celtic colours. Now, only Bobby Lennox has received more winners’ medals at the club.
Nevertheless, Forrest had to work his way back from the brink amid tentative speculation over a potential January departure and increased competition for his place at Parkhead.
James Forrest on how he battled back from the Celtic fringes
Cited via The Daily Record, Forrest has delivered an honest account of how he managed to fend off competition in his position alongside revealing his feeling of frustration at being left out earlier this term despite being fully fit.
He also evaluated his Celtic future, stating: “I’ve always said that I’ve loved being here and have enjoyed working hard here. We have always signed new players, and I don’t think I have ever felt comfortable being here.
“The amount of attacking players we sign, it keeps you going. I’d love to stay here as long as I can, I’ve always said that. I’ll go and enjoy the Euros and then come back to pre-season and take it from there.
“That spell in January and February, I’m still not 35 or 36 and it was the first time in my career that I’ve been fit enough and not been in squads. That was difficult because I knew if I stayed I’d potentially be ruling myself out of playing anywhere.
“You miss playing. When you train all week and don’t get a game at the weekend, it’s hard to take. It was a hard one. But when I knew I was staying after January, I kept working hard every day in training, and I knew I would get that chance. Once it came, I didn’t look back and helped the team.”
James Forrest showed he still has something to offer at Celtic
Not many Celtic fans would’ve predicted Forrest being so influential during the run-in; however, his consistency and speed of thought on the ball helped to ensure Celtic got over the line, vindicating Rodgers in the process.
Granted, he may not have the physical attributes of a decade ago, though there is sometimes no substitute for intelligence on the pitch.
Combine that with the fact Forrest has been over the course so many times in the past, and it isn’t surprising he came to the fore when it matters. Moving forward, he still has a role to play, provided his fitness holds up.