James Forrest added another chapter to his Celtic career with a stoppage-time goal against St Mirren on the final day of the Scottish Premiership season. The late strike capped off a season where he became the most decorated player in the club’s history.
The 33-year-old winger’s goal kept Celtic’s unbeaten run going at the end of the campaign and kept alive his remarkable record of scoring in every season since making his debut in 2010.
Forrest’s tally now stands at a staggering 26 major honours — 13 league titles, eight Scottish Cups and five League Cups — underlining a level of consistency and success matched by few in the Scottish game.
The milestone prompted warm words from Neil Lennon, the man who handed him his senior debut at Celtic Park 15 years ago. Lennon, currently managing Dunfermline, has watched Forrest’s journey from promising teenager to club icon.
Reflecting on the moment and the player’s legacy, Lennon hailed Forrest’s longevity, attitude, and continued ability to make a difference. Forrest’s impact on and off the pitch has endured through managerial changes, injuries and squad overhauls, with his goals and assists still capable of changing games at the highest level.
Lennon also couldn’t resist a bit of humour amid the praise, suggesting he might try to convince Forrest into a move to the Championship after the winger’s heroics once again captured the attention of the Celtic support.
He said: (RecordSport), “Wonderful. I’m so proud of him. You couldn’t write a better story when he got the last-minute goal against St Mirren. What a player. He was like that when he was 18. He’s so humble. He’s never changed. He shies away from all the spotlight and just gets on with his football.
“He’s one of the most exciting players Celtic have ever had. Jamesy would drive at you from the left, he’d drive at you from the right. He’s a great finisher. He had his ups and downs with injuries but if you talk to every player or every manager who’s worked with him, he’s just been a joy to work with.
“I managed him twice and he always delivered. I loved him. I loved watching him play because he’s different.
“Wanting to take people on. That was his remit when he was younger. I said ‘I want you to run at people’ and he was brilliant at it. He was a really good finisher as well. He’s had a mega career.
“He’s not lost that change of pace either. He can do you from a standing position. He still has that wee electric burst to get away from people.
“And his finishing has always been top class with both feet. You could play him anywhere along that front three or even now as he’s getting older you could play him as a 10.
“I’ll try and get him here to Dunfermline. I’ll have a chat!”
Forrest’s numbers speak for themselves, but it’s his consistency, humility and commitment to the cause that have truly set him apart.
The fact that Forrest continues to play a key role in his 30s, while so many of his teammates over the years have moved on or faded out, is testament to both his professionalism and natural ability. Still capable of delivering in big moments, his late goal against St Mirren provided a fitting finale to a glittering season for the Hoops winger.
Whatever comes next, James Forrest’s legacy at Celtic is secure. A winger who thrilled, a professional who worked hard, and a player who won, over and over again.
