Forrest happy to fight for Celtic place

James Forrest is more than ready for the battle for his place at Celtic.

The 20-year-old winger, who came through the youth ranks at Parkhead, made his breakthrough last season and impressed enough to be handed a Scotland debut by Craig Levein against the Republic of Ireland in May.

Hoops boss Neil Lennon believes he is “spoilt for choice” with regards his midfielders, and even with skipper Scott Brown suspended and Paddy McCourt injured, Forrest could only find a place on the bench in Sunday‘s 2-0 Clydesdale Bank Premier League win over Hibernian at Easter Road.

However, he has no intention of doing anything other than fighting to get back in to the starting eleven.

“A loan was never an option,” said Forrest, looking forward to Wednesday night‘s friendly against Wolves at Celtic Park.

“Celtic is where I was brought up and I don’t want to leave here.

“I don’t want to give up that easy.

“I played a lot of games last year and I feel I can make a big impact on the team.

“I am obviously wanting to start but it’s a big squad and if I have to come on then that’s what I will do.

“Hopefully, if I stay fit for the full season, I will play a lot of games.”

Forrest is also confident that he will not be disadvantaged because he did not cost the club a transfer fee, and therefore does not have a value to justify.

He said: “Some people do say that but the people who get brought in still need to play well.

“It’s a big squad, the manager can pick from many good players and you are not going to be picked because you got signed (from another club).”

Celtic now play four challenge matches before they resume SPL action against Aberdeen in just under a fortnight’s time.

Forrest admits the Hoops squad are still in “pre-season mode” but insists that mind-set makes the comfortable win over Hibs all the more impressive.

“It is a bit strange,” he said.

“We just came back from the tour of Australia and it was right into the first league game.

“Some of the boys have only played one game in pre-season so far so to put on the show they did against Hibs was tremendous.”