Brother’s advice has given me new Lisa life
James shows City star the way
Lisa Forrest has two big targets – to emulate big brother James’ trophy- laden career and become the third member of the family to score a goal against Rangers.
The 17-year-old made it a family double when she helped Glasgow City pip Celtic to the SWPL title after James had collected his 11th Premiership gong with the Hoops.
Lisa, who only signed her first pro contract with City in January, has a way to go to match James’ haul of 22 winners’ medals, which sees him the third most decorated Celtic player behind Lisbon Lions Bobby Lennox and Billy McNeill.
She said: “We are all very proud of one another. We went out for dinner as a family to celebrate James and I winning the league.
“He didn’t have any mixed feelings about the title being between Celtic and City, he was just happy for me.
“I have my medal in a wee box in my bedroom and I still smile at it every time I see it but James doesn’t have his medals or anything on display. I don’t even know where he keeps them.”
With brother Alan at Hearts, sibling Robert playing amateur football and a sister who started playing football with Lisa before quitting, the game has been a hot topic in the Forrest household.
With James set for a testimonial after joining Celtic while still at primary school he has plenty of experience to pass on to Lisa as she starts out on a career she hopes can be as good as his.
She said: “It has been crazy to see how women’s football has improved in such a short time. We are getting to a point where women can genuinely think that they can have a career in football. It was always my dream to play football every day.
“All I remember growing up is football. We would be at Celtic Park to watch James and at Ayr to watch Alan and looking back it was great to be in that environment.
“Now I am just focused on City and trying to develop. I want to keep improving as a player and there is no better club for me to be at and achieve that than Glasgow City.
“Every day I am playing with the best players in the country and there is nothing I would rather do. I have learned and developed so much since going full-time.
“The biggest thing that James has taught me is that when it hasn’t worked out well or you’ve not had a great game, you have to move on. You can’t dwell on anything. You always have to be ready for the next challenge.”
Hearts star Alan has even set her a goal for next season.
Lisa added: “Alan told me on the last day going into the Rangers v City game that I needed to be the third Forrest to score e against Rangers! It didn’t t happen but hopefully it will!” ”