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The Journey of James Forrest: A Reflection on His Career

When did it all start for James Forrest? It was just minutes before the conclusion of a league match against Motherwell on a Saturday in May 2010—14 years and 361 days ago. Forrest, then just 18, seized a flick-on from Marc-Antoine Fortune and confidently placed a left-foot shot into the net, scoring his debut goal.

Watching that moment, one is struck by Forrest’s youthfulness—he almost appears as if he were 12 years old. The scene is nostalgic, featuring names of past teammates like Edson Braafheid, Zheng Zhi, and Morten Rasmussen, each evoking memories of a different era.

Another striking element from that day is the crowd. Celtic Park had an attendance of 24,000, signaling just how far both the player and the club have traveled since then. The 2009-10 season was challenging for Celtic, with no trophies to showcase; Rangers had claimed their second consecutive title earlier that year.

Throughout that season, Celtic even failed to reach a cup final, being eliminated by Hearts in the League Cup and by Ross County in the Scottish Cup. European competitions were equally unkind, with the team securing only two wins from ten matches. Tony Mowbray lost his managerial position during this tumultuous time, leading to Neil Lennon’s appointment in hopes of reviving the club’s fortunes.

Reflecting on Forrest’s journey, Lennon stated, “Look at his career—it’s been remarkably successful, yet riddled with lows as well.” He emphasizes how injuries and selection issues have not overwhelmed Forrest. “He’s maintained an even keel. Nothing fazes him,” Lennon adds. “He doesn’t force his way in when not selected. Instead, he accepts his role and remains prepared to step up whenever needed.”

Lennon appreciates Forrest’s evolution over the years, noting, “He’s one of the most exciting players to watch. As the game has progressed, he has adapted, becoming a passing winger while still posing a goal threat.” While Lennon refrains from placing Forrest alongside Celtic legends, he acknowledges his significant contributions.

Now at 33 years old, and soon to be 34, Forrest shows no signs of complacency. This relentless pursuit of success has likely cemented his place in the history books of the club. On a title-winning day recently, he managed to score against a great of the 1967 team. With the Scottish Cup final approaching, he stands a good chance of further expanding his accolades.

For James Forrest, age is nothing but a number. His enduring hunger for victory continues to defy what many would expect.

Source
www.bbc.com