James Forrest reveals secret Celtic exit plan hatched by Scott Brown and the unfinished business he still has at Parkhead

James Forrest ignored the call from one Celtic legend because he’s more determined to catch up with a couple of other Hoops heroes.

The Celtic star revealed he had old pal Scott Brown on the phone chancing his arm by trying to tempt the winger to sign for his Ayr United side before the contract extension came up at Parkhead instead. Forrest told Broony to hold fire for a while yet as he still has unfinished business with Celtic – like equalling incredible records held by legends Paul McStay and Jimmy McGrory.

The pair of them netting in 16 consecutive seasons for the club – and Forrest can hit that target by opening his account this term. The wide man from Prestwick could have been up the road at Somerset Park instead if Brown had his way. Forrest said: “Aye, he actually phoned me, I think he asked me last January, February if I'd go down! What was my answer? Just no yet! I don't even think he said I would get a game, he said I could compete for a place!”

Forrest is still well in the mix at Parkhead and fans were willing him to hit the net in Saturday’s 5-0 stroll against Ross County. It didn’t come but the 33-year-old admitted he’s keen to hit another incredible landmark.

Forrest said: “Has it been on my mind? Maybe just recently. A few folk have mentioned it but it's one where obviously as an attacking player you want to be scoring and assisting.

“But I've been really enjoying this season, the minutes I’ve got, the games I've been involved in. It's not in my head as a stat, it's more to help the team as a fellow player.

"Obviously it's a good start to the season overall, but I need to get my finger out and make sure I score this season! It's class when you're put in a bracket with those names with different stats,