James Forrest hails Celtic’s golden era as he wins 25th major honour with club

James Forrest declared it “a pleasure” to represent Celtic through such a golden era in their history after he became their most decorated player of all time alongside Bobby Lennox.

The long-serving 33-year-old winger came off the bench to help the Hoops secure a 5-4 penalty shootout victory in Sunday’s dramatic Premier Sports Cup final triumph over Rangers, after an exhilarating 3-3 draw at Hampden.

Forrest has now won 25 major honours with the Hoops since making his debut in 2010 and will move out on his own if he wins one more trophy for his boyhood club.

The Scotland international stressed that his achievements in green and white were testament to the sustained period of dominance they have enjoyed within Scottish football under the likes of Neil Lennon, Ronny Deila, Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers.

“I think that’s just a kind of bonus,” Forrest said of moving alongside Lennox, who won his 25 trophies in the 1960s and 70s.

“I’ve said before, I’ve been a part of different eras, different teams in Celtic over the years and it’s been a pleasure.

“And I think if maybe I wasn’t part of successful teams, I maybe wouldn’t have been here (as long). I think it’s a great credit to the teams I’ve been involved in and loads of people putting in great work over the years and I’m just delighted to be a part of that.

“It’s great to be a part of this club on days like this. You see the fans at the end, all the players and staff together, it’s unbelievable to be a part of. I’ve cherished every minute I’ve been here and hopefully there’s more to come.”

Sunday’s win edged Celtic ahead of Rangers on the trophy count, with the Hoops now on 119 league titles, Scottish Cups, League Cups and European trophies and Gers on 118.

Forrest