THE PERFECT ROLE MODEL
Forrest aims to follow McGrain and commit his best years to Celtic
JAMES FORREST admits he would love to sign the contract which would edge him closer to finishing his career at Celtic. Still only 27, the Parkhead winger already features in the top ten of all-time Celtic honours winners with 14 major trophies.
With Scotland’s champions inviting former captain Danny McGrain to unfurl their 49th league flag this afternoon, Forrest would love to emulate the iconic full-back by spending the vast bulk of his career at Parkhead.
Speaking before the Champions League draw against Rosenborg in midweek, Brendan Rodgers signalled a desire on Celtic’s part to extend Forrest’s stay.
Entering the final year of his current deal, he enjoyed his most successful campaign last season, scoring 17 goals and winning a second domestic Treble.
Forrest admitted: ‘I would obviously be absolutely delighted with that (a new contract) and would love to get it done.
‘There are a lot of big games just now, so I’d love to get it sorted and continue to concentrate on the matches.
‘I’ve still got time here, but if the club make it clear they want to give me a new contract, I’d be delighted to do it.
‘I’ve made it clear to the club that I’ve only ever been here and would love to work hard for as long as I can.
‘I know how big this club is and every match is high pressure, you are going for trophies and trying to play in the Champions League.
‘It’s an unbelievable club and I’m just going to keep working hard to stay here for as long as I can.’
Belgian international Dedryck Boyata is also entering the final year of his current deal. There are doubts over his willingness to extend it, but there are no such worries with Forrest.
One of a core of Scotland internationals in the Parkhead squad, he added: ‘Boys from here, they know Celtic is massive around Europe.
‘When you are playing for Celtic, it also gives you a chance for the national team, so there are a lot of benefits.
‘When things are going well, it’s unbelievable and you are kept on your toes because they’re always trying to sign players. Personally, it’s good and I would love to stay.’
Celtic will complete a two-season loan deal — with an option to buy — for Manchester City’s Australian winger Daniel Arzani next week, pending a successful application for a work permit. After competing with Patrick Roberts for a place for 18 months, the prospect of another talented new rival for his position is one Forrest can live with.
‘There are so many players over the years who have played my position,’ he said. ‘It’s the type of position that you’ll have a few players there because of the amount of games over the season. Celtic are always going to want to attract big players and make the team better.
‘Our squad is strong and we have a lot of talented players, but it’s up to the gaffer if he wants to add new players. We’ll certainly welcome them.’
The concept of any player remaining a one-club man is usually regarded as a quaint relic of a bygone age. Billy McNeill did it. But for the briefest of spells at Hamilton, McGrain would have, too.
Today, before the game with Livingston, McGrain will unfurl Celtic’s seventh straight league flag as a thank-you from the club for his long and distinguished service.
‘Danny McGrain is a club legend,’ said Forrest. ‘He’s at the training ground every day and even all the foreign lads appreciate him and what he’s done for the club. You look at him and take inspiration from his achievements.’
At 68, McGrain remains a familiar and popular face at Lennoxtown. A member of the club’s backroom team for over 20 years, Rodgers still values the experience and values of a boyhood hero.
‘I see Danny and guys like George McCluskey and I’m still like a big child,’ said the Celtic boss. ‘This is my childhood but I’ve grown up a little bit.
‘Seeing guys like Roy Aitken back in. We just need Anton Rogan showing up!
‘These are the fellas who have made the great club what it is. They are not only wonderful symbols of our past, but very much part of our present because they are real icons.
‘In that era, you look at the appearances they had. The likes of Danny, Roy, TB (Tommy Burns), bless him.
‘These guys were contributors to the status that Celtic has and I tap into that.
‘I speak with Danny just about every day. I have lunch with him and sit for 15 or 20 minutes and I always get a wee nugget from him that I can relate somewhere in my life to football because he’s so humble.
‘These guys never knew how good they were. Daniel Fergus McGrain. It’s brilliant to have him.’
Entering his third full season, Rodgers has yet to finish second in a domestic competition as Celtic manager.
Dismissing the notion he has little left to achieve in Scottish football, he has set his players a new target. To win better.
‘The league is your bread and butter, it’s where you want to prevail. It’s our number one competition,’ he said.
‘Your first aim is to win your league and that allows you to savour everything after that.
‘So, yeah, brilliant to be at home and a great honour for us to have Danny unfurling the flag.
‘I will enjoy watching Danny unfurl it and then we will get on with trying to secure a good win.’