Forrest eyes Cup clash as perfect chance to get season back on track

CELTIC winger James Forrest has targeted tomorrow night’s Betfred League Cup tie as the game to give the Parkhead side a much-needed kickstart.

Brendan Rodgers’s team lost to a last-minute goal against Kilmarnock on Sunday meaning that they are currently in the midst of their worst start to a league campaign for 20 years.

Forrest has made his mark in the League Cup in recent seasons – the first tournament that Rodgers won as Celtic manager – and he is eager that Celtic put down a marker at McDiarmid Park tomorrow night as they look to maintain their grip of the Cup.

And getting back on the pitch is seen by the Scotland internationalist as the best way for the club to work their way back to form.

The game against Tommy Wright’s side is massive given the recent

run of results for Rodgers’ side who were held to a goalless draw against St Mirren in their last league outing before the weekend defeat at Rugby Park.

“If you ask any player, it’s better to play three games in a week than it is just to be training all the time,” said the winger who has scored in both League Cup finals under Rodgers. “It’s a sign of being successful that you’re playing so many games.

“I think it’s good for us that we’re in three different competitions in consecutive games. We have a big squad and everyone will be trying to prove their worth so we’ll be raring to go.

“It’s been great to contribute by scoring in the last two League Cup finals so we want to keep that going by getting into the semi-finals.

“St Johnstone have made a few good signings and Tony Watt has been scoring. We play them twice in 10 days so we need to make sure we do well in both games.

“Tony played against us for Hearts before and didn’t score so he’ll want to this time but hopefully we can keep him quiet.”

Leigh Griffiths was back among the goals, but it remains to be seen if the striker has done enough to hang on to the starting jersey.

The 28-year-old has netted in back-to-back games since coming off the bench against Rosenborg last Thursday and is desperate to stake his claim as the first-choice forward.

Certainly, Forrest believes that his international team-mate is desperate to show his worth to the team.

“He only needs one opportunity but he always looks a threat,” said Forrest. “Fair play to Leigh – it shows his hunger.”