Forrest refuses to use injuries as an excuse ahead of Celtic’s top-of-the-table clash with Hearts
James Forrest has told his Celtic teammates they can’t hide behind their growing injury list when they take on league leaders Hearts in tomorrow’s top-of-the-table William Hill Premiership showdown at Tynecastle.
The Scottish champions could fall eight points behind their Edinburgh rivals if they lose in Gorgie, but Forrest insists the squad has the depth and quality needed to cope without key men Cameron Carter-Vickers, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Alistair Johnston.
The experienced winger believes the likes of Colby Donovan, Anthony Ralston, Dane Murray, Auston Trusty, and Johnny Kenny are more than capable of stepping up and helping Brendan Rodgers’ side stay on course for a fifth straight league title.
Forrest admitted he was devastated to learn that Carter-Vickers faces up to five months on the sidelines after suffering an Achilles injury during Thursday’s Europa League win over Sturm Graz.
“Everybody knows the worst part of football is getting injured, and it’s a long-term one for him,” Forrest said at a community coaching event with JD Sports at Celtic’s Barrowfield Training Centre. “All the lads will be right behind him while he’s out — he’s a strong character and he’ll come back even stronger.”
The winger also paid tribute to the American defender’s importance to the team:
“He’s quiet but such a hard worker. His quality on the pitch speaks for itself — you just have to look at what he’s done since he joined Celtic. Everyone’s hoping for a quick recovery.”
Forrest also expressed sympathy for Alistair Johnston, who faces a spell out injured, describing him as another consistent and influential figure.
“Alistair’s been brilliant since the day he arrived. Every time he plays, he gives everything to the team, so we’re disappointed for him too. Hopefully he’s not out for too long.”
Despite the setbacks, Forrest remains confident in the squad’s ability to handle the situation:
“We’ve got a big squad. Sometimes five or six players don’t even make the matchday squad. Dane Murray has shown his quality, and Auston Trusty is back fit as well. These lads can take advantage of the opportunity and make their mark.”
He added that such challenges are part of football and believes those stepping in will be determined to deliver for their injured teammates.
“It’s a great chance for Dane to get a run of games. He’s a hard worker, and now he has a chance to show what he’s all about.”
Hearts have made a flying start under Derek McInnes, winning seven and drawing one of their opening eight Premiership games, and are being tipped as genuine title contenders for the first time since 1960.
Forrest, the most decorated player in Scottish football history, is relishing the prospect of facing the club his younger brother Alan Forrest represents.
“Every game at Tynecastle has a great atmosphere — the Hearts crowd is intense and the Celtic fans will be right behind us,” he said. “Injuries aren’t an excuse. Every team faces problems over a season, and we’ve just got to deal with it. Every match is massive for Celtic, and Sunday is no different. We need to work hard and get through this tough spell.”
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