James Forrest admits he’s aware of the growing attention on his push to score in 16 consecutive seasons for Celtic, but insists the priority remains on the team’s success.
The winger was in fine form once again in Wednesday night’s 5-1 victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie, creating the most chances on the pitch and laying on an assist for Luke McCowan’s second-half goal. Yet his own elusive first goal of the season remains just out of reach, with only two fixtures remaining – St Mirren on Saturday and the Scottish Cup Final against Aberdeen at Hampden.
Forrest, speaking after the win, revealed how much support he’s had from inside and outside the dressing room.
“I had a few chances and it’s great,” he said live on Sky Sports. You can see all the players, the staff, the fans, they really want me to score.
“Obviously, I want to score as well, but it’s about the momentum of the team.
“Obviously, I got an assist on that tonight and helped the team that way, so obviously there’s a couple of games to go on. If I can score, then great. If not, then it’s not a big deal.”
It’s been 364 days without a goal for the Hoops, and he came close to ending that run under the lights in the North East, but it wasn’t to be. Hopefully, he can find the back of the net soon.
Should Forrest find the net before the season ends, it would cap yet another impressive individual achievement in a career that has already seen him become Celtic’s most decorated player with 26 major honours. But as ever, Forrest remains focused on the collective task, with the Scottish Cup final and the chance of a Treble the priority.
