James Forrest extended his time at Celtic only a few months ago after the winger extended his contract at the club until the summer of 2025.
His career so far has been laden with silverware and success with the winger having won 20 major honours at the club becoming the Hoops fourth most all-time decorated player.
The winger still splits opinion from Celtic fans and in the past two years hasn’t had the best of times with injury issues but the 31-year old isn’t satisfied just yet with all that’s been achieved and wants more.
This upcoming season will be Forrest’s 13th campaign and he will be hoping to play a more significant part if he avoids injury issues.
His highlights from Ange’s maiden season include a crucial goal at Livingston to seal the win which was a huge hurdle in the title race and his 74th minute winner against St Johnstone in the League Cup semi-final to break the Perth sides resilience and send the Hoops to the final.
“I’ve started well this pre-season and hopefully, I’ll take that into the season ahead,” said James Forrest speaking to the [Scottish Sun].
“I turned 31 on Thursday, I love being at Celtic and wouldn’t want to be here if I just wanted to plod along at this club.
“My aim is to keep trying to help the team, keep trying to win stuff, and play as much as I can.
“I’m looking forward to the season just as I did with last season.
“I remember over different spells throughout my Celtic career, every spell when we’ve done really well, the squad has been really good with strength in depth.
“That’s good for the players and its obviously very good for the manager as well.
“We even said as soon as we got here, for all of the boys that did so well last year, it starts fresh, everything kind of gets forgotten about.
“I think that’s the best way to look at it, you can’t look back on what you’ve done before — you need to keep going on and trying to improve. It doesn’t matter what age you are, that goes for everyone.
“All players want to play, your age doesn’t come into it.
“Everybody gets better when there’s competition for places.”
Daizen Maeda and Jota are likely to feature the most for Celtic in the wide positions but if Liel Abada continues the terrific form he showed last season it will be tough for Forrest to make an impact on the side.
One thing that is guaranteed is that the boss will give players the opportunity to impress with winger Mikey Johnston been given game time out in Austria.
Forrest recently turned 31 in the past few days and may well become a one club man but is at this point concentrating on the season to come.
“I was delighted to sign my deal, and I think it was good for me and the club.
“But I don’t want to just say that I’ll stay at Celtic for the sake of it.
“I want to win more things and play as much as I can, and if that means staying here for the rest of my career, then I’d be happy with that.”
The winger knows all about the expectations of the club having played alongside a number of different players and four permanent managers. It’s been a huge turnaround in players since Ange’s arrival but a player of Forrest’s experience has been key in the dressing room.
“A lot of the boys are interested, and a lot of them know the history of the club as well.
“They know Celtic from big European games as well.
“But a lot of them maybe get a surprise at how massive the club is in Scotland, and how you get noticed everywhere you go.
“I think as well, though, that for a lot of them who have come in last season, there’s been a lot of good stuff as well, so they have all enjoyed it and the squad has come together that way as well.”
It’s a fresh start for Ange Postecoglou’s side and Forrest knows how important it will be for the Hoops to go on and have another strong season.
“We’re going to have to kick on and do more than we did last year.”
