“Celtic’s Untold Story: James Forrest’s Quest to Become the Club’s Greatest”

As Celtic head into the international break, they find themselves in a position they expected – leading the Scottish Premiership with a comfortable five-point gap over their fierce rivals, Rangers. But beneath the surface of this ongoing dominance lies a story that has flown under the radar for many fans: the extraordinary legacy of James Forrest, a player Chris Sutton believes is one of the most underappreciated in Celtic’s history.

A Quick Look Back at Celtic’s Recent Success

When Brendan Rodgers returned to Celtic last season, expectations were sky-high. Fans anticipated a seamless continuation of the success enjoyed under Ange Postecoglou, who had set a blistering pace during his tenure. However, while the season did not exactly start with a bang, the team still managed to clinch the Scottish Premiership title. This victory was topped off with a dramatic, last-minute Scottish Cup final win over Rangers, etching another memorable chapter in Celtic’s storied history.

Fast forward to the present, and Celtic have once again outclassed Rangers, cementing their superiority. Despite Graeme Souness’ claims to the contrary, the gulf in class between the two Glasgow giants is becoming increasingly evident. The recent Glasgow derby win was a testament to Celtic’s dominance, and while much of the post-match discussion centered on the growing chasm between the clubs, an important milestone went largely unnoticed.

James Forrest’s Remarkable Milestone

In the recent derby, James Forrest quietly made his 500th appearance for Celtic when he came off the bench. This is an extraordinary achievement for any player, let alone one who has spent his entire career at one club. At 33 years old, Forrest is on the brink of becoming Celtic’s most decorated player in terms of trophies won. With 24 honors to his name, he is just two winner’s medals away from surpassing the legendary Bobby Lennox as the player with the most titles in the club’s history.

Such a feat is nothing short of remarkable. Yet, despite this, Forrest does not always receive the recognition one might expect for a player of his caliber and contribution. According to former Celtic striker and now pundit Chris Sutton, Forrest is an “underappreciated” figure at Parkhead, a sentiment echoed by fellow pundit Neil McCann.

The Underappreciated Star

Chris Sutton’s assertion that Forrest is underappreciated might come as a surprise to many. After all, Forrest has been a stalwart for Celtic for over a decade, consistently delivering in big moments and contributing to the team’s sustained success. But in a world where the spotlight often shines brightest on flashy new signings or prolific goal scorers, it’s easy for a player like Forrest to be somewhat overlooked.

Neil McCann, speaking on Sky Sports Football, was full of praise for Forrest’s longevity and impact, stating, “It’s quite unbelievable, isn’t it? He came through the academy and has had such an impact on this football club. 500 appearances is something very, very special.”

Sutton added, “I have always felt that James Forrest is slightly under-appreciated.” It’s a sentiment that many Celtic fans would do well to consider. Forrest’s contribution to the club is immense, not just in terms of numbers, but also in the leadership and experience he brings to the squad.

Forrest’s Legacy and What It Means for Celtic

James Forrest’s journey with Celtic is a testament to loyalty, consistency, and a deep understanding of what it means to wear the green and white hoops. Having come through the club’s youth academy, Forrest embodies the Celtic spirit in every way. His 500 appearances are not just a statistic; they represent countless hours of dedication, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

As Celtic continue their march towards another potentially trophy-laden season, Forrest’s presence will be crucial. His experience and calm demeanor in high-pressure situations are invaluable assets for Brendan Rodgers as he seeks to further cement Celtic’s dominance in Scottish football.

Moreover, Forrest’s proximity to becoming the club’s most decorated player ever is a storyline that deserves more attention. Bobby Lennox, the current record-holder, is a Celtic legend, and for Forrest to be on the verge of surpassing such a figure speaks volumes about his career. It’s not just about the number of trophies, but the consistency and quality that Forrest has maintained throughout his time at the club.

The Road Ahead: More Trophies for Celtic?

With the season still in its early stages, Celtic’s current form suggests that more silverware is on the horizon. Their five-point lead over Rangers is significant, especially considering the manner in which they dismantled their rivals in the recent derby. Despite not being at their best last season, Rodgers still managed to lead the team to two trophies, underlining his ability to extract the best from his squad when it matters most.

If Rodgers can get his team firing on all cylinders, as he did during his first stint at the club, the rest of Scottish football – including Rangers – could be in for a tough time. And as Celtic continue to chase glory, James Forrest will undoubtedly play a key role in their success, whether or not he receives the plaudits he deserves.

Conclusion: Recognizing an Unsung Hero

In football, it’s easy to focus on the flashy, the new, and the headline-grabbing moments. But players like James Forrest remind us that true greatness often lies in consistency, loyalty, and the ability to deliver time and time again. As Chris Sutton rightly points out, Forrest may be underappreciated by some, but his legacy at Celtic is one that will be remembered for generations to come.

As Forrest edges closer to becoming Celtic’s most decorated player, perhaps now is the time for fans and pundits alike to fully appreciate the immense contribution he has made to the club. In a season that promises much for Celtic, Forrest’s story is one that deserves to be celebrated.

Source: Chris Sutton names Celtic star who is under-appreciated