Brendan Rodgers was full of praise for James Forrest after the experienced winger scored a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser to earn Celtic a 1-1 draw against St Mirren on Trophy Day at Celtic Park.
The match didn’t go entirely to plan for the champions. With the title already wrapped up, fans arrived in celebration mode, hoping for a final-day victory. However, St Mirren proved stubborn and took the lead in the second half. It looked like Celtic might suffer a rare home defeat to close out their league campaign — until Forrest stepped up with a special moment in added time.
His late strike rescued a point, sparked huge celebrations inside the stadium, and gave the fans a goal to cheer before the Premiership trophy was lifted.
More than that, it marked a personal milestone for the winger — his first goal of the season and his 16th consecutive campaign finding the net for Celtic. It’s a run that highlights his remarkable consistency and loyalty to the club over the years with Rodgers full of praise post-match.
He said: (Clyde 1 Superscoreboard), “He’s created the narrative today. It was a brilliant way to end what has been a fantastic league campaign for us. I wasn’t sure if he was going to do it.
“He created a lot of chances, but just couldn’t quite make the breakthrough. Importantly, that was us. Importantly, it was St Mirren defending really well. But we got there in the end and it was a wonderful feeling for James and for everyone in the stadium.
“I’m so pleased for him. I think at any level to do it, but to do it at a club like this here, and at any big club where there’s pressures, it’s a remarkable achievement. It’s a testament to him and his hunger, his desire, his professionalism, all the things that it takes to be a top player.
“The noise, I think there was so much goodwill for James to do it and you sensed it as the season came towards the end. The noise was absolutely amazing. I think it’s absolutely amazing for him and his family and clearly for us. It gives the stadium a real good feeling.”
The goal could not have come at a better time, not only for the fans, but for Forrest himself. While game time has been limited this season through injury, the 33-year-old has always remained ready and focused. With next weekend’s Scottish Cup Final against Aberdeen, Rodgers may now be tempted to include Forrest in the starting XI at Hampden.
With Jota sidelined by injury and Nicolas Kühn struggling to find consistent form, opportunities have opened up for others to make an impact, and Forrest’s experience in big games could prove valuable as Celtic look to seal the domestic treble.
Celtic fans certainly showed their appreciation. As the ball hit the net, Celtic Park erupted, and the chants for Forrest rang around the stands. After years of service, countless goals, and more trophies than any other current Celtic player, it was a fitting moment for one of the club’s modern greats.
Trophy Day is always a special occasion, and while a win would have been the ideal send-off for the league campaign, Forrest’s last-minute equaliser made sure the day still ended on a high. The draw didn’t spoil the celebrations — if anything, it added.
And with the final still to come, don’t be surprised if James Forrest has one more big moment left in him.
