Celtic’s man for all seasons maintains 16-year record

James Forrest added yet another milestone to the heaving list of accolades in his storied Celtic career with the timing of a drama king in the dying moments of trophy day in Glasgow’s east end.

The veteran winger had scored for his club for 15 straight seasons. Even his most devoted supporters must have doubted his ability to make it 16 as the years passed at Celtic Park.

He had already enjoyed playing 31 games so far this year. Even though he had nearly 1,200 minutes in four games, the goal remained elusive.

On Saturday, there was no normal time elapsed. Nothing . There were three more minutes of play. Nothing remains.

But persevere. Forrest delivered and enthralled his audience in the 94th minute.

Rarely have home fans greeted a goalkeeping goal for a late draw with thunderous cheer. The goalscorer was more important than the goal, after all.

“Relief. When Forrest was questioned about his score, he responded, “I was just buzzing.”

You could not have written it any better, in my opinion. Everyone has asked for me to score and win the record, so I’m happy to do it.

It’s difficult to express in words. I’m just trying to enjoy Celtic’s final few minutes of play. I’ve loved it a lot, and I hope I still have some memorable moments and awards like this. It’s an incredible career.

Forrest has now won his 26th medal as a Celtic man, breaking Bobby Lennox’s 25-year-old record, which has stood proudly for 45 years.

His goal total now stands at 109 with Saturday’s late strike. He has won six League Cups, seven Scottish Cups, and 13 leagues.

He has played for 188 different Celtic players.

Derk Boerrigter, Patrick Roberts, Daniel Arzani, Maryan Shved, Sead Haksabanovic, Mohamed Elyounoussi, Marco Tilio, and Luis Palma are just a few of the wingers he’s counted in the club over the years.

That is a long list. There are more.

He has had to take a backseat to the more recent generation of accomplished figures like Liel Abada, Jota, Daizen Maeda, and Nicolas Gerrit-Kuhn as the years have progressed.

More than 150 of those 500+ games were substitutes, which demonstrate his patience and professionalism.

His stats reveal a ruthless adversary, but when examined in a different way, they also reveal a fierce competitor.

He’s still fighting despite reports of injuries, brand-new signings, and significant time spent on the bench.

He has these dazzling purple patches that managers have found to be insatiable.

Forrest is the living embodiment of Celtic’s grit, and they have too much class for everyone else in this division.

Although he has the most trophies, his parents have a dog in him. Although it isn’t in his personality, it must be.

His first Celtic manager, Neil Lennon, recalls that “the season before he made his debut, I had him in the development team.”

He excelled,” he declared. He was in charge of everything. Brilliant footwork. You could play him through the middle, or left, right, or both.

He experienced a significant speed change. Even at the time, he was one of those players that would make you want to stay in your seat. passing through people. Low gravity’s axis. Nothing frightens me. I cherished him from the moment I first saw him play.

No one can dispute the fact that Lennox’s peerless times were as memorable as those from his era, even the humble Forrest, but he is in for a special time.

He has been one of Brendan Rodgers’ few constants throughout both him and McGregor’s spells. Individual standard-setters in their own ways.

What year did this all start?

Forrest scored a left-foot shot into John Ruddy’s net just before the end of a league game against Motherwell on May 10, 2010, which had gone on for 14 years and 361 days.

It was a memorable debut for the 18-year-old. One goal in nine minutes.

Forrest’s youth is apparent in the video; he might be mistaken for a 12-year-old.

Edson Braafheid, Zheng Zhi, Morten Rasmussen, and Josh Thompson are also given the names of their former teammates. Relics from a different era.

However, that scene also serves as a reminder of Forrest’s long history on the road. 24 000 people showed up at Celtic Park that day.

Forrest scored 108 goals in the first of his 523 games for the club, which were not even half full.

Both the player and the club have made significant improvements. Rangers won their second title in a row shortly after winning no more than one trophy during that same season, 2009-2010.

There was no cup final at all. Ross County won the Scottish Cup while their hearts were squandered by Hearts. Celtic won two games in Europe out of ten.

Along the way, Tony Mowbray lost his job. In an effort to restore the thunder, Lennon was appointed manager.

Look at his career, which has had great success, Lennon says. Having a bad injury or not being chosen miss out on important games. He’s had his lows, but he’s just maintained his equilibrium. He is unfazed by nothing.

When he is not a member of the team, he does not like to break the windows. Some players don’t get it, but he seems to be saying, “OK, this is my role at the moment, but I’ll be ready when I’m called upon.” He is also always prepared.

And I still watch him play a lot. When he’s at his best, he’s still one of the most exciting players to watch. He has evolved along with the game as it has. He is currently a sort of passing winger with a threat of a goal.

He’s undoubtedly a man who has accomplished great things in his own right, even though I don’t put him on a pedestal like Bobby Lennox or any of the Lisbon Lions.”