Adrenaline got injured Celtic star through Cup Final win over Rangers

The Celtic Star

·3 aprile 2025

Adrenaline got injured Celtic star through Cup Final win over Rangers

Celtic legend James Forrest marked his highly-anticipated comeback from injury in Saturday’s Scottish Premiership win against Hearts…

Brothers Alan Forrest of Hearts and James Forrest of Celticat full time during the Scottish Premiership match at Celtic Park on March 29, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Having dedicated his entire career to the Hoops, the 33-year-old had been out of action since suffering an injury in last December’s Premier Sports League Cup final.

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Forrest, who emerged through Celtic’s youth academy, has played a vital role in the team since his senior debut 15 years ago. His speed, skill, and habit of delivering important goals have long endeared him to supporters. Boasting over 100 goals and a trophy-laden career, he stands as one of the most accomplished players in Celtic’s modern history.

Following intense training sessions at Lennoxtown as Brendan Rodgers’ side prepare for their weekend clash with St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park in Perth, James Forrest shared his thoughts in an interview with Celtic TV, on his recovery process and the thrill of returning to action.

James Forrest in action during the Premier Sports Cup Final victory over theRangers at Hampden on 15 December 2024. Photo AJ for The Celtic Star

“It’s been really good. That’s me been training for maybe two-and-a-half to three weeks now, and I’ve been really enjoying it. Any player knows when they’re out for a length of time, all they want to do is get back out there on the pitch with the boys, and I’ve been really enjoying it,” Jamesy said.

Coming on as a late substitute against Hearts, Forrest immediately appreciated the importance of being back on the pitch after a long and frustrating spell recovering from his injury, which he sustained in the Hampden Park penalty shootout win on 15 December against theRangers.

James Forrest in action during the Premier Sports Cup Final victory over theRangers at Hampden on 15 December 2024. Photo AJ for The Celtic Star

“I think I was maybe on a couple of minutes and I felt it right away. I was the last sub on, and maybe with the adrenaline in the game, you can get through it, but straight after the game, I knew it was going to be a bad one.”

The seasoned winger faced a long rehabilitation process, including six weeks on crutches, before gradually regaining full fitness. Now back to full strength, he is determined to play a key role for the rest of the season.

James Forrest in action during the Premier Sports Cup Final victory over theRangers at Hampden on 15 December 2024. Photo AJ for The Celtic Star

“When you get that type of injury, and obviously I’m a bit older as well, you’ve got to have the determination and work hard to get back. When you see what the boys are producing in the games they’ve played, first and foremost you look to get back training, feeling good and get back in the squad. I managed to get back on the park on Saturday as well, which was amazing. I just want to keep looking forward to every day, keep working hard, and hopefully play more games towards the end of the season.”

Forrest’s comeback follows his League Cup victory before his injury, which marked his 25th major trophy – matching Celtic legend Bobby Lennox for the club’s all-time medal record.

James Forrest in action during the Premier Sports Cup Final victory over theRangers at Hampden on 15 December 2024. Photo AJ for The Celtic Star

“It would motivate anyone. When you’ve been at this club from a young age, it’s always about wanting to be the best team in Scotland. It’s obviously a big club, so you want to strive to keep winning games and winning trophies. The manager the first time really brought it in as well that you don’t want to celebrate too much when you win one because you know how good it is and you want more of it.”

With increased competition for places following Jota’s arrival in the January transfer window, Forrest stays determined to showcase his value and make an impact whenever given the opportunity.

James Forrest runs with the ball during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Ross County FC at Celtic Park on November 30, 2024. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“Since I’ve come through, making my debut when I was 18 right until now, at this club there’s always been really good wingers and there’s always been competition for places. I think if you asked all the other lads as well, it’s good for the manager and the coaches that you’ve got so many good options. Throughout the season, you play so many games, so it’s good to have that depth and quality,” James Forrest said.

With Celtic pushing for further domestic success and a potential Treble, Forrest’s leadership and winning mindset could be crucial in the decisive stages of the season.

Conor Spence

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