FORREST SO HAPPY WITH TOP SQUAD
JAMES FORREST reckons Celtic’s calmer summer will boost their bid for further glory under Ange Postecoglou.
The winger was one of a few top-team stars who were in place when the Aussie began a squad overhaul 12 months ago.
Postecoglou still managed to perform heroics to shape a new group that claimed the league crown.
But Forrest believes there’s a big bonus in the fact the majority of last season’s achievers will now make up the nucleus of the squad that goes for more silver in this 2022-23 campaign.
He said: “That can only be a benefit. This time last year we were still signing two, three, four players in the last week of the window.
“It was the biggest turnaround in a squad since I’ve been here.
“We have got a base now and a core group.
“I’ve seen over the years that’s always when we’ve been at our most successful – when you have got the majority of the squad there and everyone knows each other.”
Forrest admits he’s excited to learn fresh tricks from new coach Harry Kewell.
Kewell’s appointment gives him a Champions League winner to discuss a wideman’s role with and the 30-yearold won’t waste the opportunity at hand.
Forrest added: “It’s obviously still early but when I was growing up I think everyone knows who he is.
“He’s a big name and where he’s played, he’s had a really good career.
“For the likes of myself, wingers and young players, anyone in the team really, they’ll be looking forward to working with him.”
Forrest had injury issues last term but still played a key part in winning the Premiership and League Cup.
Postecoglou saw enough to give him a new contract.
Forrest told Celtic TV: “Because we won the league and go straight into the Champions League, it allowed the boys who weren’t away on international duty to have a good few weeks off. This one has been different because the last number of years I’ve only ever had a week or 10 days off and you’ve not really felt like you’ve been away.
“Having this four or five weeks off was good.
“But once you do come back in, you are looking forward to it to get going again.”