James Forrest has opened up on the Celtic message legendary Tommy Burns gave him during his time in the Hoops’ youth setup — a moment he was reminded of when he became Celtic’s most decorated player on Saturday afternoon.

Burns, who played a huge part in many first-team players’ careers, also had a pivotal role behind the scenes before his death — nurturing young talents like Celtic skipper Callum McGregor and record-breaker James Forrest, both of who were coached by him in their early days.

Burns’ passion has lived on in Forrest, with the message that many come to train at Celtic as teenagers but fail to make the grade — something Forrest was reminded of as he made history, showing that Burns’ message is still strong 17 years after his passing.

He said: (RecordSport), “I remember Tommy Burns, you used to have a meeting every year when you were 13s or 14s.

“He always used to say that the percentage of players that would come through and play at Celtic was one percent.

“There were so many thousands of kids in Scotland, or players from Ireland or wherever. It’s just great that you’ve managed to come through and, obviously, make your debut, stay in the first team and just be a part of the success.

“Any player, older players or even first-team boys, anyone that’s known Tommy, you can just remember the enthusiasm and everything he had. Cal obviously, he’ll remember him in that way as well. He knew what it was like to play for Celtic and stuff like that.

“It’s good for young boys that they have coaches and players that have played for Celtic and they can give you their experience and that can help you.”

It doesn’t get more emotional than the impact Tommy Burns had on Celtic. From his playing days to his time as a coach, he was Celtic through and through. Modern-day players like James Forrest and Callum McGregor carry that Burns mentality, a testament to how he helped shape so many young talents into the success stories they’ve become.

It’s a classy tribute from Forrest — taking his moment and choosing instead to praise others. It perfectly sums up the Celtic winger: it’s never about him, but about those around him who helped shape him into the great player he is today.

When so many in modern football let their egos take centre stage, James Forrest used his historic moment to remember the legend that was Tommy Burns. It speaks volumes about the kind of person he is — and the lasting impact Burns still has on the club to this day.