WE WANT MORE
Forrest aims to better Celtic’s record 5-1 derby win at Ibrox
JAMES FORREST insists Celtic want to improve on their biggest-ever win over rangers at Ibrox ahead of Saturday’s first old Firm game of the season. the Premiership champions travelled across Glasgow to inflict a 5-1 thrashing on Pedro Caixinha’s side back in April.
After recovering from a humbling Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain to stretch their run
of unbeaten domestic games to 55 with victory over Ross County on Saturday, two-goal hero Forrest says the Parkhead side’s relentless quest for improvement continues unabated.
Asked if that record 5-1 win could ever be bettered, Forrest said: ‘Yes. That is what it is all about.
‘It is about getting better and doing even more. We will be going there and looking for another positive result.
‘Rangers have made some signings and we know it will be tough. We will be up against new faces — so we need to make sure we are right at it.’
A 4-0 win over Ross County opened a five-point gap on Rangers after Caixinha’s side stumbled in a 2-2 draw with Partick Thistle on Friday night.
Seeking their first league win over Celtic since March 2012, the Ibrox side can reduce the margin on the Premiership leaders to two points this weekend.
Admitting the reigning Scottish champions want to snuff out hopes of a Rangers title challenge, however, Forrest added: ‘Yes, you can say that. I think that is what happened last year with the 5-1 game at Celtic Park.
‘We know it is going to be hard and we want to come out with a win. It is still early days. We just need to keep focusing on ourselves.
‘Rangers dropped points on Friday night but we didn’t let that concern us. It is a new season and they have new players and we have new players.
‘It is a clean slate, so we have to make sure we go there and do a job. Last year, we went there and managed to get a couple of victories. And we will be looking to do that again.’
Moussa Dembele, Celtic’s £30million-rated striker, claimed his first goal since March against Ross County.
The Parkhead side face Dundee in a Betfred League Cup quarter-final on Wednesday before huge games against Rangers and then Belgian cracks Anderlecht away in the Champions League.
Welcoming a timely return for Dembele, Forrest said: ‘Even though it was his first start for a few months, Moussa was outstanding. He showed he was top quality and it was great to have him back.
‘Having him back creates competition and that can only be good. You saw that last season when boys were missing and whoever stepped in scored goals and kept the consistency up.
‘We are buzzing for him to be back and for him to score as well. You saw how many goals he contributed in big games last season. Yet, you forget how young he still is.
‘After seeing him return against Ross County, you know he is going to be a big player for us again this season.’