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Glasgow Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
The moment that keeps Forrest coming back for more at Celtic
The prospect of a 7000-mile round trip to Kazakhstan for a Champions League shootout tie is one that the Celtic players would embrace if it came to it, but as those who remember previous trips to Central Asia will testify, it is one they could also do well without. That being said, there is at least one grizzled veteran of those longest of Celtic away days that has fond memories of facing Kazakh opposition. In fact, James Forrest had one of his most cherished moments in a Celtic jersey in a Champions League qualifier against Shakhter Karagandy, albeit in the home leg at Celtic Park. After a 2-0 defeat on their travels way back in 2013, Forrest struck at the death in Glasgow to earn his side a 3-2 aggregate victory, and send Celtic into the group stage of the competition. (Image: Colin Mearns) The feeling he had that night is one that has never really left him, and even after all these years, it is exactly the sort of moment that keeps the 34-year-old coming back for more. "It's hard to describe,' Forrest said. 'That's why you keep playing, you want more because it's addictive, the feeling you have with the players. 'The buzz you get from it is, I don't get it with anything else, and as I said, it is addictive. 'When you've had so many highs with Celtic as well, it's hard. Sometimes you do that and then two days later you're travelling up and you're playing another game somewhere and you need to get going again. Read more: 'But then I think when you do experience stuff like that, it does make you think, 'I want more of that'. 'You go away pre-season, you're working five, six weeks and double sessions, and at games that maybe no-one's watching or training sessions that no-one's there, but then it all comes worth it when you get moments like that, one hundred percent. 'I always just think, just keep trying to work hard and keep trying to play for as long as I can, as long as I feel good, because I've done this since I was a wee boy. 'So, I just think try and go for it. I've got another year here, and as I said, I'm not even thinking about that now, just enjoying the games. 'It's pressure games every couple of days and it is great to be a part of." If it is to be Almaty – and the Kazakhs hold a 1-0 advantage after hosting Slovan in the first leg of their tie last week – Forrest is well versed on how to handle it. And no matter what, he will be offering no excuses should Celtic fall short of the league phase of the competition. "I think we've maybe been there like three or four times, and I've been there with Scotland as well,' he said. 'It is difficult because you probably need to go two days before the game just to adjust because of how far away it is. 'I think whatever team we get, it will be two difficult games. I think we've got enough experience, we've got a lot of international players, they know about the travel and stuff like that, and these away games can be like cup style in that as well. 'But then, Celtic Park is to be really intimidating for the other team as well. 'The club have got sports scientists, the physios and stuff like that; they've got people that are looking after it to give the boys the best chance. 'As I said, we've done it before, so whatever team we get, there'll be no excuses either way." What may be driving Forrest this weekend is a desire to have a measure of revenge on Aberdeen for the way that last season ended, with the Dons denying Celtic a treble with their penalty shootout victory in the Scottish Cup Final. This though, he says, is a fresh start. 'I think Aberdeen are one of the best teams in Scotland and I think every time you play them, there's a rivalry there anyway,' he said. 'You go to Pittodrie; every year I've been up there, the managers, coaches, fans, they all know it's a hard game, so I don't think we'll look much into the cup final. 'It's a new season and we want to get off to a good start and just keep the momentum going, and hopefully get another three points." In the longer term, as well as hoping to do enough throughout the course of the season to earn another year at the club, Forrest still has an eye on the international scene. (Image: Colin Mearns) The winger was desperately disappointed not to have seen any game time at all last summer during the European Championships, but he isn't closing the door on crowning his career with an appearance at next year's World Cup. "I spoke to Steve Clarke a couple of times at the start of last season, and then I got a really bad injury in December for a few months,' he said. 'The main thing for me has always been making sure I'm playing well for Celtic and then if Scotland came along, great. 'But no, I've not spoken to him this season, so as I said, I just want to do well for Celtic in the games and then we'll just kind of see from there. "I had the conversation with him last year, it was a good one, and because it was after I went to the Euros and didn't play, it was if he needed me, then he'd give me the call and it was just kind of left like that. 'So as I said, it's always kind of open and I would never shut the door. I think any player, you want to play in the top competitions and you want to play Champions League, you want to play for your national team.' *James Forrest was speaking at Celtic's annual 'Touching the Trophies' experience, where season ticket holders with sensory impairments are given the opportunity to come to Celtic Park and physically engage with the club's silverware.
The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
The moment that keeps Forrest coming back for more at Celtic
That being said, there is at least one grizzled veteran of those longest of Celtic away days that has fond memories of facing Kazakh opposition. In fact, James Forrest had one of his most cherished moments in a Celtic jersey in a Champions League qualifier against Shakhter Karagandy, albeit in the home leg at Celtic Park. After a 2-0 defeat on their travels way back in 2013, Forrest struck at the death in Glasgow to earn his side a 3-2 aggregate victory, and send Celtic into the group stage of the competition. (Image: Colin Mearns) The feeling he had that night is one that has never really left him, and even after all these years, it is exactly the sort of moment that keeps the 34-year-old coming back for more. "It's hard to describe,' Forrest said. 'That's why you keep playing, you want more because it's addictive, the feeling you have with the players. 'The buzz you get from it is, I don't get it with anything else, and as I said, it is addictive. 'When you've had so many highs with Celtic as well, it's hard. Sometimes you do that and then two days later you're travelling up and you're playing another game somewhere and you need to get going again. Read more: 'But then I think when you do experience stuff like that, it does make you think, 'I want more of that'. 'You go away pre-season, you're working five, six weeks and double sessions, and at games that maybe no-one's watching or training sessions that no-one's there, but then it all comes worth it when you get moments like that, one hundred percent. 'I always just think, just keep trying to work hard and keep trying to play for as long as I can, as long as I feel good, because I've done this since I was a wee boy. 'So, I just think try and go for it. I've got another year here, and as I said, I'm not even thinking about that now, just enjoying the games. 'It's pressure games every couple of days and it is great to be a part of." If it is to be Almaty – and the Kazakhs hold a 1-0 advantage after hosting Slovan in the first leg of their tie last week – Forrest is well versed on how to handle it. And no matter what, he will be offering no excuses should Celtic fall short of the league phase of the competition. "I think we've maybe been there like three or four times, and I've been there with Scotland as well,' he said. 'It is difficult because you probably need to go two days before the game just to adjust because of how far away it is. 'I think whatever team we get, it will be two difficult games. I think we've got enough experience, we've got a lot of international players, they know about the travel and stuff like that, and these away games can be like cup style in that as well. 'But then, Celtic Park is to be really intimidating for the other team as well. 'The club have got sports scientists, the physios and stuff like that; they've got people that are looking after it to give the boys the best chance. 'As I said, we've done it before, so whatever team we get, there'll be no excuses either way." What may be driving Forrest this weekend is a desire to have a measure of revenge on Aberdeen for the way that last season ended, with the Dons denying Celtic a treble with their penalty shootout victory in the Scottish Cup Final. This though, he says, is a fresh start. 'I think Aberdeen are one of the best teams in Scotland and I think every time you play them, there's a rivalry there anyway,' he said. 'You go to Pittodrie; every year I've been up there, the managers, coaches, fans, they all know it's a hard game, so I don't think we'll look much into the cup final. 'It's a new season and we want to get off to a good start and just keep the momentum going, and hopefully get another three points." In the longer term, as well as hoping to do enough throughout the course of the season to earn another year at the club, Forrest still has an eye on the international scene. (Image: Colin Mearns) The winger was desperately disappointed not to have seen any game time at all last summer during the European Championships, but he isn't closing the door on crowning his career with an appearance at next year's World Cup. "I spoke to Steve Clarke a couple of times at the start of last season, and then I got a really bad injury in December for a few months,' he said. 'The main thing for me has always been making sure I'm playing well for Celtic and then if Scotland came along, great. 'But no, I've not spoken to him this season, so as I said, I just want to do well for Celtic in the games and then we'll just kind of see from there. "I had the conversation with him last year, it was a good one, and because it was after I went to the Euros and didn't play, it was if he needed me, then he'd give me the call and it was just kind of left like that. 'So as I said, it's always kind of open and I would never shut the door. I think any player, you want to play in the top competitions and you want to play Champions League, you want to play for your national team.' *James Forrest was speaking at Celtic's annual 'Touching the Trophies' experience, where season ticket holders with sensory impairments are given the opportunity to come to Celtic Park and physically engage with the club's silverware.
The National
3 days ago
- Sport
- The National
The moment that keeps Forrest coming back for more at Celtic
The prospect of a 7000-mile round trip to Kazakhstan for a Champions League shootout tie is one that the Celtic players would embrace if it came to it, but as those who remember previous trips to Central Asia will testify, it is one they could also do well without. That being said, there is at least one grizzled veteran of those longest of Celtic away days that has fond memories of facing Kazakh opposition. In fact, James Forrest had one of his most cherished moments in a Celtic jersey in a Champions League qualifier against Shakhter Karagandy, albeit in the home leg at Celtic Park. After a 2-0 defeat on their travels way back in 2013, Forrest struck at the death in Glasgow to earn his side a 3-2 aggregate victory, and send Celtic into the group stage of the competition. (Image: Colin Mearns) The feeling he had that night is one that has never really left him, and even after all these years, it is exactly the sort of moment that keeps the 34-year-old coming back for more. "It's hard to describe,' Forrest said. 'That's why you keep playing, you want more because it's addictive, the feeling you have with the players. 'The buzz you get from it is, I don't get it with anything else, and as I said, it is addictive. 'When you've had so many highs with Celtic as well, it's hard. Sometimes you do that and then two days later you're travelling up and you're playing another game somewhere and you need to get going again. Read more: 'But then I think when you do experience stuff like that, it does make you think, 'I want more of that'. 'You go away pre-season, you're working five, six weeks and double sessions, and at games that maybe no-one's watching or training sessions that no-one's there, but then it all comes worth it when you get moments like that, one hundred percent. 'I always just think, just keep trying to work hard and keep trying to play for as long as I can, as long as I feel good, because I've done this since I was a wee boy. 'So, I just think try and go for it. I've got another year here, and as I said, I'm not even thinking about that now, just enjoying the games. 'It's pressure games every couple of days and it is great to be a part of." If it is to be Almaty – and the Kazakhs hold a 1-0 advantage after hosting Slovan in the first leg of their tie last week – Forrest is well versed on how to handle it. And no matter what, he will be offering no excuses should Celtic fall short of the league phase of the competition. "I think we've maybe been there like three or four times, and I've been there with Scotland as well,' he said. 'It is difficult because you probably need to go two days before the game just to adjust because of how far away it is. 'I think whatever team we get, it will be two difficult games. I think we've got enough experience, we've got a lot of international players, they know about the travel and stuff like that, and these away games can be like cup style in that as well. 'But then, Celtic Park is to be really intimidating for the other team as well. 'The club have got sports scientists, the physios and stuff like that; they've got people that are looking after it to give the boys the best chance. 'As I said, we've done it before, so whatever team we get, there'll be no excuses either way." What may be driving Forrest this weekend is a desire to have a measure of revenge on Aberdeen for the way that last season ended, with the Dons denying Celtic a treble with their penalty shootout victory in the Scottish Cup Final. This though, he says, is a fresh start. 'I think Aberdeen are one of the best teams in Scotland and I think every time you play them, there's a rivalry there anyway,' he said. 'You go to Pittodrie; every year I've been up there, the managers, coaches, fans, they all know it's a hard game, so I don't think we'll look much into the cup final. 'It's a new season and we want to get off to a good start and just keep the momentum going, and hopefully get another three points." In the longer term, as well as hoping to do enough throughout the course of the season to earn another year at the club, Forrest still has an eye on the international scene. (Image: Colin Mearns) The winger was desperately disappointed not to have seen any game time at all last summer during the European Championships, but he isn't closing the door on crowning his career with an appearance at next year's World Cup. "I spoke to Steve Clarke a couple of times at the start of last season, and then I got a really bad injury in December for a few months,' he said. 'The main thing for me has always been making sure I'm playing well for Celtic and then if Scotland came along, great. 'But no, I've not spoken to him this season, so as I said, I just want to do well for Celtic in the games and then we'll just kind of see from there. "I had the conversation with him last year, it was a good one, and because it was after I went to the Euros and didn't play, it was if he needed me, then he'd give me the call and it was just kind of left like that. 'So as I said, it's always kind of open and I would never shut the door. I think any player, you want to play in the top competitions and you want to play Champions League, you want to play for your national team.' *James Forrest was speaking at Celtic's annual 'Touching the Trophies' experience, where season ticket holders with sensory impairments are given the opportunity to come to Celtic Park and physically engage with the club's silverware.
The National
6 days ago
- Sport
- The National
Why Slovan Bratislava star has no fears over a Celtic return
The Hoops will face either the Slovakian champions or face a long trip to play Kairat Almaty from Kazakhstan. They hammered Slovan last season in the opening game in the new-look tournament to win their first game in the group stages for the first time ever. Slovan keeper Takac was helpless as he conceded five goals, but ahead of this week's first leg in Almaty, he insisted a return to Parkhead would not bother him. Read more: He said: "The only thing that matters at the moment is beating Kairat Almaty and getting the chance to play against Celtic again. "Every opponent provides motivation for us - Celtic won't bring us more or less. "I'm not exactly jumping two metres in the air for joy over the draw, but nor am I hanging my head in trepidation. "We have a long and difficult journey to play in Kazakhstan and we have left a day early to prepare. "We expect an intimidating atmosphere and a real challenge for us. That is all we are concentrating on for now. "Everyone at the club is only fighting for this game. Celtic can be looked at later."
Daily Record
31-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Celtic transfer news as fresh David Strelec claim emerges amid 'lucrative' Josh Brownhill offer
The Hoops failed in a bid to sign the forward back in January and it's on the agenda again Celtic have been told that Slovan Bratislava may look to cash in on star man David Strelec if they don't reach the revamped group stages of the Champions League. The Slovakia star was a target for the Hoops in January, with Brendan Rodgers ' side reportedly seeing a £7million bid knocked back for the 24-year-old. Strelec enjoyed a fine campaign in front of goal last season, netting 25 times in 47 matches in all competitions. The striker has continued his form into the new season and scored twice across two matches in his team's 6-2 aggregate victory against Bosnian outfit Zrinjski Mostar to book their place in the third round of qualifying for Europe's premiere competition. Slovan will face Kairat Almaty of Azerbaijan for a spot in the play-off round and two former Slovakian stars reckon progression is essential if the club want to keep a hold of talisman Strelec. Ex midfielder Peter Duris told Sport24: "There aren't many number nines like him at the moment. I see him in one of the big European clubs. I don't think he has to worry at all about not making it abroad. "He's playing in top form. He's also exceptional in that he's left-footed and scores goals. He has been very well trained and I am very pleasantly surprised by him. If Slovan does not advance to the main stage of the Champions League, they can easily move him to a top club for more than 10 million." Former Slovakian international goalkeeper Ladislav Molnar added: "They know he has a great value. He is currently a player who, when even half-chances arise that the opponent offers him, can clearly take advantage of them. "He is in great form, which is great for Slovan. I think we will hear more about Strelec in a short time." Meanwhile, Celtic -linked Josh Brownhill is said to have a contract offer from a new club on the table just days after confirming his departure from Burnley. The 29-year-old joints the Clarets from Bristol City back in 2020 and despite banging in 18 goals last season to help the Turf Moore side return to the Premier League, has now moved on at the end of his contract. Parkhead has been touted as a potential destination for the midfielder but FourFourTwo now report that Leicester City have offered the player a lucrative contract to bring him to the King Power Stadium. They add that Brownhill's preference would be to land a move back to the Premier League but that he will also entertain approaches from further afield should they arrive. You can get all the news you need on our dedicated Celtic page, and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season. We're also WhatsApp where we bring all the latest breaking news and transfer gossip directly to you phone. Join our Celtic community here.
