James Forrest played a pivotal role in Celtic securing a domestic double at the end of last season, now he's determined to carry on that form with the hope of earning a contract extension.
Forrest has been on Celtic's books for his entire professional career, making his first team debut as a fresh-faced teenager well over a decade ago.
His latest deal is set to expire at the end of the 2024-25 campaign. Manager Brendan Rodgers recently discussed Greg Taylor's future with the Hoops full-back in a similar position. But for Forrest, whether or not he will be allowed the opportunity to wear a Celtic shirt for a 17th season remains to be seen.
He is currently on 24 honours from over 500 outings and another would take him level with current record holder Bobby Lennox.
"Aye," the veteran winger simply said on his willingness to enter negotiations. "The end of last season was really good. It was a few months when I really enjoyed my football. I've been really enjoying the start of this season as well. Obviously I'm getting older but I really enjoy it.
"I feel as if I've still got a part to play and I still love it. Being at Celtic is such a massive club, I've been here my whole career. I'd love to stay on but that will maybe come into discussion at some point. I’m not sure when."
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At 33, some players might have retirement on they mind. However, Forrest is relishing being back playing a key role at Celtic, having accumulated seven appearances so far this season.
Asked if he still has the enthusiasm to play at the highest level, he replied: "Definitely. I got a good run at the end of last season, and I've started this season feeling good as well. I've not even thought about stopping to be honest. I'm just really enjoying playing just now.
"Maybe January or February at the start of the year I had a little think about it (retiring). But honestly, I've not really thought much about it since. I've been in football my full life and it's always what I wanted to do.
"I think I'd definitely like to be involved in the game in some way. Maybe at some stage this season or next season, I don't know when, I'll think about it more. I would definitely like to stay in football. You get some players that you've played with that maybe don't watch a lot of games.
"Sometimes it can be a job for them, but I love watching football and I love being in football. So I'd definitely like to still be involved somehow."
It's arguably the most competitive Celtic squad Forrest has experienced in his well-decorated career, yet he relishes his teammates driving each other to the incredibly high standards that their manager demands day in day out.
"I think the manager and the club's recruited well," he said. "The manager is always talking about you wanting quality over quantity. He's definitely got that. You've seen in the players he's signed already making their impact.
"I think that's good for the players that are here and working hard here. I think it's always good to get players to come in and freshen it up. That's what's happened so far. I think it's just important that we all just keep working hard and keep looking forward."
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Forrest earned a long-overdue Scotland call up prior to Euro 2024 this summer, but was an unused substitutes in all three Group A matches at the tournament.
Steve Clarke named him in his squad for the UEFA Nations League games against Poland and Portugal earlier this month but the Celtic player withdrew alongside club teammate Taylor.
Despite that, he claims adding to his 39 caps is still very much on his agenda.
"I think just concentrating on Celtic for the next few weeks and trying to do well there. If Scotland is still there, then I'd like to add to the caps as well."
Forrest has become accustomed to European nights at Parkhead but Wednesday night's 5-1 Champions League win over Slovan Bratislava was absolutely massive for the club.
That three points on match day one has provided Celtic with an excellent start in their quest to reach the knock out stage of the competition, sitting nicely in second place from the 36-team league phase table.
"It was unbelievable," he commented on the result. "I think we’ve had a really good start to the season. You can see all the boys are feeling confident. There have been some really good results and performances.
"The manager, a couple of days before the game when everyone knew the occasion was massive, he just wanted us to keep playing the way we had been in the league and the cup competitions we'd played in so far. I think you saw that on the night, that we took our performances into that. It was a great night.
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"I think it's amazing (the fans backing). I think every year you're in the Champions League or Europa League, you're playing in these European games, I think there are always really good atmospheres. I think the other night before the game it was electric.
"I think it was like that the full game. I remember at points in the second half, the atmosphere was bouncing. You saw everyone after the game. I think there was a real buzz at the stadium.
"I think that's good that we're up and running in the Champions League. We can focus now on the cup in Scotland and the league and we'll get back to Dortmund in a couple of games’ time."
