‘He’s the father figure of our dressing room’
BRENDAN RODGERS described James Forrest as the father figure of the Celtic dressing room after the winger’s double sealed a crucial victory in Dundee.
A Rangers win in Paisley increased the pressure on the Scottish champions before a ball was kicked at Dens Park.
A stunning strike from 32-year-old Forrest eased the tension after half an hour before the veteran added another midway through the second half.
Chasing their first home win over Celtic since 1988, Dundee asked questions of the league leaders after Antonio Portales’ goal — following a wild swipe at the ball by Celtic substitute Adam Idah — with 16 minutes to play.
The champions held firm, opening up a three-point and five-goal advantage over Rangers with four league games to play. Victories over Hearts and their city rivals in their next two home games would all but seal a third straight title.
‘James is just a brilliant player,’ said Celtic boss Rodgers. ‘He’s one of the remaining fathers of the success this club has had over the last decade or so.
‘There are very few of them left, but he’s definitely one of them.
‘His creativity, mentality and quality over the last decade has been so important. I’m so pleased for him.
‘His first finish is sublime — what technique. His second one, he’s made it look easier than it actually was.
‘He may not quite have the legs he had years back but the quality doesn’t diminish.
‘He was our matchwinner today and I’m so happy for him. He wasn’t only demanding the ball, he looks after it. If he can’t beat a man, he secures it.
‘That’s his game, looking to take people on, passing and shooting — everything you want in a winger to be effective in the game.
‘That experience and ability to want the ball in pressure situations, that is something he’s delivered many, many times for this club. It definitely helps at this stage of the season.’
Threatening from corner kicks and set-plays, Dundee deserved the break which came from Portales’ goal — after a wild swing at the ball by Idah — in the final stages of the game. While the rain stayed off, a much-criticised Dens pitch disrupted Celtic’s passing momentum.
‘I’m pleased,’ added Rodgers. ‘The pitch was difficult, it’s bumpy, so it was always going to be a challenge to play fast, flowing football.
‘But at this stage of the season it’s about getting the results.
‘Dundee have had a fantastic season and have made it very difficult for teams here.
‘We got into a fantastic position going 2-0 up, then the goal gives them a bit of hope in the final 15 minutes.
‘But we saw it through and picked up a fantastic three points.
‘I am really excited about next week against Hearts at Celtic Park. Sixty thousand, the atmosphere will be amazing, the pitch will be amazing and hopefully we can play a level of football and get another really good result.’
Dundee boss Tony Docherty watched the game from the stand as he served a one-match touchline suspension.
He took pride in seeing his players give Celtic a tough game following a 0-0 draw with Rangers at Dens Park.
‘At the start I found it really frustrating (watching from the stand),’ said Docherty. ‘But I actually really enjoyed watching my team and sometimes when you are at the side of the pitch you can get a wee bit too involved in things that are maybe not advisable.
‘But sitting back watching my team from up there, I was hugely proud because I saw them executing a game plan, I saw them going toe to toe and giving every ounce they had for the team and for supporters.
‘I don’t want to be doing it again, to be honest, but the over-riding feeling is one of satisfaction in terms of the level of performance.
‘I never want them to be happy when we get beaten, but I think there is an acceptable way of losing.
‘I’ve seen us going toe to toe and you know the results and the performances we’ve had against Celtic. I’m sure Brendan would admit, they knew they were in a game today.’