Forrest: We’ve set standard for nine-in-a-row bid
James Forrest says Celtic set the benchmark for their nine-in-a-row bid with a rampant display against Ross County. The Hoops were leapfrogged by rivals Rangers at the top of the Premiership before the international break off the back of a draw against Hibs and defeat against Livingston.
“In the last couple of weeks we’ve been thinking about the dropped points and we wanted to put that right against Ross County,” said the Scotland international.
“We’ve star ted the season well but didn’t do ourselves justice in the last two games. That can happen.
“Livingston deserved to beat us but that was more l i ke us t oday, we l ooked more l ike ourselves.
“That should set the standard for us. We were gutted after Livi and the last two weeks have been hard.
“But we showed a great attitude today and that should be the benchmark for the league games to come now.
“At half- time, with the score 1- 0, Ross County were still in the game even though we had a lot of chances.
“But we came out in the second half and got the goals we couldn’t in the first.
“All the boys looked at it from the off and the manager says it’s up there with the best he’s seen us play. We all enjoyed it and didn’t want it to finish because we were so strong as a team and could have scored more.”
Forrest had particular praise for both Jeremie Frimpong, on his Premiership debut, and Odsonne Edouard.
“Jeremie played in the Betfred Cup game here on his debut and got man of the match,” said Forrest. “He played really well again, he bombs on and is good to play with. He was attacking all day.
“In training, he’s been really sharp and waiting for his chance. The staff are buzzing with him and the players enjoy playing with him.
“The new players have hit the ground running. When you get quality coming in, they help the ones already here.
“A l l the b oy s are pushing each other now. “Odsonne has been unbelievable so far this season with the goals he’s scored. And his link up play is really good as well. “We went away with France U- 21s and scored goals for them as well. He’s a top player and great to have in the team.”
Olivier Ntcham missed yesterday’s game with Neil Lennon revealing afterwards the midfielder had been sent for a scan. “He rolled his ankle on Thursday and just tweaked it,” he said.
“We have had it looked at and are hoping he’ll be fit in time for Lazio on Thursday night.”