During last weekends game, there weren’t many positives to take from a 0-0 draw against Dundee United which resulted in the league finally being over. However, the one slight positive fans would have taken is seeing the long-awaited return of James Forrest.
Forrest has been out since September, after picking up an ankle injury early in the tie against Riga. Many were not expecting the winger to be out for such a lengthy period of time but it has taken several months for the 29-year old to regain fitness.
As quoted by the Glasgow Times speaking to Celtic TV, Forrest expressed his delight at returning to action whilst also opening up on the difficulties of seeing the side struggle this season from the sidelines.
“I was absolutely delighted to get some minutes. I can’t even describe how it felt. It’s been such a long time. I was delighted to be back training with the boys over the last 10 days or so and get back out on the pitch and trying to help the boys.
“It was a great feeling and I just want to keep continuing my comeback, get more training under my belt and, hopefully, get more games as well. It was really tough to not be involved. With all the protocols, I’ve had to watch most of the games on Celtic TV.
“You feel like an outsider and you want to be there constantly. It makes you want to work harder to get back as quickly as possible.
“It was towards the end of December that I was ready to start running again outside.“It was simple things as well, like being in the gym at the same time as the rest of the boys. I felt more a part of it from then. That helps and lifts your mood.
“A lot of the other boys have had injuries in their careers and have been good with me and made me still feel a part of it.”
Over the last few seasons, Forrest has been a key player for this Celtic side, contributing season after season in terms of goals and assists providing some huge moments in big games.
No one is saying that he would have completely changed what has been an extremely poor season for the Hoops. But the squad have certainly missed the tricky winger over the past few months.
He will now be determined to get back into the side and prove his worth once again, with the Scottish Cup and a Euros place to play for this summer before even thinking about proving himself to the incoming manager and hopefully playing a crucial part once again next campaign.
