James Forrest was just getting started when he first made his mark on European nights with Celtic. Now, over a decade later, the thrill of those famous occasions continues to drive the winger on as he enters the twilight of his career at Parkhead.
It was the summer of 2013 when Forrest, then 22, wrote his name into the club’s Champions League folklore. Celtic had their backs against the wall after a dismal first-leg defeat to Shakhter Karagandy, and looked to be heading for extra-time even after turning the tie around at home.
But in the dying moments of the second leg, Forrest arrived with a crucial winner that sent Celtic into the group stage, sparking wild scenes and an unforgettable sprint down the touchline from Neil Lennon.
Twelve years on, the 34-year-old remains as motivated as ever by the idea of replicating those magical moments on the European stage, describing the feeling as “addictive”.
He said: (RecordSport), “It was massive. I think the fans that night were really good because we were 2-0 down and we came back here.
“I remember we scored in the first half and the fans erupted, they were really good for the full 90 minutes.
“What’s it like scoring a goal like that? Hard to describe. That’s why you keep playing, you want more because it’s addictive, the feeling you have with the players.
“The buzz you get from it is, I don’t get it with anything else. As I said, it’s addictive.
“When you’ve had so many highs with Celtic, it’s hard. Sometimes you do that and then two days later you’re travelling somewhere and playing another game — so you need to get going again.
“But when you do experience stuff like that, it does make you think, I want more.”
Forrest heads into the new season hoping there’s still more to come, especially with Celtic guaranteed European group stage football. With Brendan Rodgers looking to blend youth and experience, the veteran’s hunger for another continental night could prove invaluable.
He’s already amassed 105 European appearances for Celtic, more than any other player in the club’s history, but insists there’s still fuel in the tank.
Now into his 17th senior campaign, Forrest’s longevity is matched by his continued relevance. His game time may have reduced in recent seasons, but moments like last season’s Scottish Cup semi-final goal show he’s far from done.
And if he can conjure one more spark on the European stage, the boy from Prestwick may just write another chapter into an already storied Parkhead career.
