James is taking a leaf out of Broonie’s book
James Forrest and Scott Brown aren’t two players you would think were very similar.
Brown, who hung up his boots and became Fleetwood Town manager last week, was the loud, all-action midfielder, who took no prisoners.
Forrest is altogether more understated, although just as effective as he glides down the wing.
And now that he’s one of the older players in the Celtic squad, he is prepared to take responsibility for helping new recruits settle in unfamiliar surroundings.
That’s a role he saw Brown perform, and one that has been vital as Ange Postecoglou won the Premiership title with a host of signings from different parts of the world.
Forrest said: “You had players coming in like the Japanese boys – some young players, too – and we had the core group of older players to help them settle.
“They’ve been here for a year now, so the squad is quite tight, and I think it will only get better.
“I always remember watching Broony and how he would welcome any new signings.
“He was so good with them, and you could see how much it helped them coming into the changing room.
“Players play better when they are settled and feel welcome.
“We have a good group now. Everyone talks, and I think you see that out on the pitch.”
Forrest admits that playing under pressure gets the best out of him.
That’s one of the reasons why he has committed his future to Celtic for another three years.
There will be plenty of demands under manager Ange Postecoglou, who has already made it clear he doesn’t want players to feel comfortable.
Forrest has played more than 30 games for the Hoops this season, but has faced serious competition for a shirt from flying machines like Jota and Liel Abada.
Postecoglou’s high-tempo style wouldn’t suit every player, but Forrest insists he thrives on it.
He said: “I have loved every minute of this season because of the style of play the manager likes.
“He has been a huge part of me wanting to stay. He wanted me to stay, and we had a good chat about it.
“I’m really excited to play more games under him, and keep learning.
“I have never wanted to leave. I’ve never thought about playing somewhere else.
“I’m going to be 31 in July, but I still feel good and I train every day. The manager and the new players have kept it fresh.
Forrest says it only once crossed his mind that he might have to leave Parkhead.
“The summer before Brendan Rodgers came in was the closest it came,” he revealed.
“I was down to the last six months of my contract, and hadn’t been sure who the new manager was going to be.
“I spoke with Rodgers the first week he was here.
“I wouldn’t say that made my mind up because I never had it in my head that I wanted to go.
“But we got something done pretty quickly. I have always loved it here, and ever since, I have kicked on.”
Forrest believes there’s still plenty of life left in his legs, but he doesn’t rule out trying his luck at management some time in the future.
He added: “I had never considered that previously, but recently I’ve started to think about it.
“At some point I will stop playing. But I do love football and it is all I know, so I would like to try coaching.
“At some stage I would like to give it a go – just to try to stay in the game.”