The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Forrest close to signing new contract with Celtic
HOOPS: Talks on longer deal at advanced stage with Scot happy to stay at Parkhead
James Forrest believes Celtic can reach new heights as he gets set to sign a contract extension.
The Scotland international’s current deal expires in 2022, but he is in advanced talks to further extend his stay.
Forrest has gone from strength to strength along with the team in recent seasons and, after nine consecutive domestic trophies, he feels they will only get better with the improved challenge from Rangers.
Manager Neil Lennon had earmarked a new deal for Forrest at the start of the season and the winger said: “It’s near enough done, everything is basically agreed. I’ll be delighted to get that done really soon and just keep focusing on playing.
“I’ve always stated from the start of pre-season that I want to stay at Celtic and the club have done the same thing.
“The talks have been really positive and it’s maybe near the end.”
Lennon handed Forrest his debut in May 2010 and made a new contract for the wide player one of his priorities after finalising his return to the club on a longterm basis.
“It gives me confidence when I’m playing,” Forrest said. “It’s a great team to be involved in just now and I just want to keep working hard to stay there.”
The 28-year-old took his tally for the season to nine goals with a strike in Celtic’s 4-0 win over Aberdeen on Sunday.
The Hoops had dropped five points in their previous two away games in the Ladbrokes Premiership but have bounced back in style by netting 10 goals in two league games either side of their Europa League win over Lazio.
“We had a great result against Cluj and a good performance and then a couple of days later was the Livingston result,” said Forrest, who was promoting a sponsorship deal by BeCordial Hotels with Celtic Women. “After the game the other night we were all wanting to make sure the league is the priority.
“The manager said after Thursday was such a great night for the players, the staff and the fans, a couple of days later you have another big game at Aberdeen in the league and if you don’t win you get questioned.
“So it makes Thursday night even better when you go to Aberdeen and win as well a couple of days later.”
Celtic, who host St Mirren tomorrow, regained top spot from Rangers the previous weekend by thrashing Ross County but they are only ahead on goal difference.
“When you look at the last couple of years the league has been tighter and other teams have strengthened as well,” Forrest said. “It’s really close just now and both teams are doing well.”