Forrest keen to extend his time with Hoops

James Forrest says Champions League football and winning trophies at Celtic keeps him more than satisfied plying his trade in Scotland.

The 27-year-old winger came through the youth system at Parkhead to become a mainstay in a side which has won backto-back domestic trebles and who host newly-promoted Livingston today as they begin their search for an eighth successive Ladbrokes Premiership title.

Brendan Rodgers’ side also look forward to the visit of AEK Athens in the first leg of the Champions League third qualifier next Wednesday night where they will continue their quest to make the group stages for the third year running.

Forrest is in the final year of his contract but more than happy to extend his time at the Glasgow club.

When asked if he had ever hankered for a chance to move to England, the holy grail for so many players, he said: “When you come through at Celtic and you are playing in the Champions League, the European nights here and you are winning trophies, you don’t want to take it for granted.

“The last couple of years have been unbelievable for the fans and the club and I would love to continue that.

“The club is massive and I definitely want to stay here as long as I can.

“When I spoke to him (Rodgers) it was positive from him. I would love to get it done pretty quick and just focus on playing.

“I have been here since I was a wee boy, made my debut at 18 and I have had so many big games and great moments for this club.

“So I just want to keep working hard and hopefully there is more of that to come in the years to come.”

The Scotland international is confident that Celtic can cope with the expectations of making it eight in a row.

“We have a big squad, a lot of good players, international players and we have coped with it before and we are confident that we can continue to cope with it,” he said.

Happy at Celtic – James Forrest.