Source: FOOTYMAD
No time to relax for Forrest
James Forrest knows he cannot take it easy as he strives to get his name on the teamsheet on a regular basis James Forrest is ready to fight for keep his place at Celtic after being left out of the side for Sunday's game against Hibs. The winger, who came through the youth ranks at Parkhead, made his breakthrough last season and impressed enough to be handed a Scotland debut by Craig Levein against the Republic of Ireland in May. Manager Neil Lennon believes he is "spoilt for choice" with regards his midfielders, even with skipper Scott Brown suspended and Paddy McCourt injured. Forrest had to be content with his seat on the bench on Sunday when Celtic visited Easter Road and ran out 2-0 winners. However, he has no intention of doing anything other than fighting to get back in to the starting eleven. Forrest said: "A loan was never an option. Celtic is where I was brought up and I don't want to leave here. I don't want to give up that easy. I played a lot of games last year and I feel I can make a big impact on the team. I am obviously wanting to start but it's a big squad and if I have to come on then that's what I will do. Hopefully, if I stay fit for the full season, I will play a lot of games." Forrest is also confident that he is not at a disadvantage because he did not cost the club a transfer fee, and therefore does not have a value to justify. He said: "Some people do say that but the people who get brought in still need to play well. It's a big squad, the manager can pick from many good players and you are not going to be picked because you got signed (from another club)." Celtic take an early break from league action to play four friendlies before resuming SPL action against Aberdeen in just under a fortnight's time.Forrest admits the Hoops squad are still in "pre-season mode" but insists that mind-set makes the comfortable win over Hibs all the more impressive. He said: "It is a bit strange. We just came back from the tour of Australia and it was right into the first league game. Some of the boys have only played one game in pre-season so far so to put on the show they did against Hibs was tremendous."
