James Forrest is perhaps the most understated footballer in Scotland. Particularly when taking into context his achievements in the game and the medals he has won at Celtic. But even he is getting a little caught up in the hype around Nicolas Kuhn after his stunning start to the season.
The German winger may be responsible for keeping Forrest on the bench for the most part so far this term, but the unassuming club legend is happy enough to play a supporting role to his teammate, in more ways than one.
Kuhn scored his 11th goal of the season in the win over Hearts at Tynecastle on Saturday night, and his thumping strike that flashed past Craig Gordon and into the roof of his net was also his 22nd goal involvement all told already this term.
That form has led to the winger being touted for a call-up for Germany, with ‘Die Mannschaft’ head coach Julian Nagelsmann even name-checking Kuhn as a player he is keeping a close eye on, and Forrest believes that he can achieve what would be the crowning glory of his remarkable turnaround in fortunes by forcing his way into the reckoning.
“If you ask anybody in the changing room, they'd be delighted if that happens,” Forrest said.
“I think everyone would be if he got that call up. He'll probably say he just needs to keep doing what he's doing until March. He won’t be far away.
“Fair play to him. Obviously it was difficult when he came in in January. I know what it's like as a forward player at this club. You're expected to get goals and assists, you're expected to play well, every week.
“It's a real credit to him, the way he's come back since pre-season. He's been at it from pre-season every game. His numbers are unbelievable. All the boys are buzzing for him, and you can see the confidence in him as well.”
There has been plenty to celebrate then at Celtic of late, and another piece of good news for the fans recently, and particularly for Forrest, was the agreement of a contract extension to keep the stalwart at the club until at least the summer of 2026.
The 33-year-old is obviously pleased to have his immediate future resolved, but he is also determined to show that the decision by Brendan Rodgers to keep him around was not based on sentiment, but on his ongoing ability to make a contribution to Celtic.
“I’m delighted,” he said.
“As you get a wee bit older, you don't take it for granted. I'm absolutely delighted and just want to keep contributing.
“Even though I’m one of the oldest in the team, I'm enjoying it more than ever. Every day I’m happy to be here working hard and being part of this team.
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“I think it's a good fit. I said it in pre-season or towards the end of last season, I think it's been good for the club and for myself. I think both [parties] have benefited and it's just been a good fit over the years.
“I've extended it for another season, I'm just delighted, and I’ll keep working hard until that's up.
“One thing I've done is never really read praise or negative stuff either. I've just concentrated on what my family and the coaches and players here are saying. I think that's maybe been part of the reason why I’ve managed to stay here.
“They’re always bringing in an attacking player at every window. It's been good to have competition all the time and keep fighting at different points. I've loved it up to now and just want to keep enjoying it.
“If you ask the gaffer, I think anyone will say throughout his career, since he's been a manager, even the first time here, he doesn't give players a game or a chance just for the sake of it. That’s good as well, it keeps you working hard.
“Even though you're older and there are younger players there as well, he's still backing you to help contribute. I think you need to just keep working hard and he says that as well.”
As referenced, Forrest is now firmly in the discussion when it comes to listing legends of the club.
His medal haul of 24 major honours has him right up there with the most celebrated names in Celtic history, and he is heavily fancied to draw level with Bobby Lennox, no less, at the top of that distinguished table after next month’s League Cup Final against Rangers.
In typically bashful fashion though, Forrest squirms a little when it is suggested to him that he could justifiably be viewed as a Celtic legend.
“It's obviously unbelievable to hear, but then you hear it and you're just focusing on the next game,” he said.
“That wee spell in January and February that I had, I wasn't sure what was happening, but I feel as though every day, every game, training that I've played, I've really appreciated it even more. Hopefully there’s more success.
“The longer I've played here, when you hear wee stats and stuff, it makes you feel really good. I think I'll probably sit down once I've retired and properly take it in.
“I appreciate when everyone says stuff like that, but I’ll stick with the boring answer. I just hope to be a part of it and win, and hopefully that means the club is successful as well.
“Your family and that keep you modest. At Celtic, I don't think any player has really got carried away. If you get carried away one game, three days later the fans will bring you back down.
“The coaches and other players wouldn't have it either. But that's not just myself, I think there's loads of players in the changing room that have had success in that, and they don't gloat about it, they just keep going.
“Once you retire, you can take it all in and really appreciate it.”
That day, though, is still some way off for Forrest.
