Celtic winger James Forrest has no qualms about fighting for his place as the Parkhead side seek to add a few more faces before the end of the transfer window.
Australian winger Daniel Arzani is close to completing a loan move to the Parkhead side but Forrest, who produced arguably the best football of his career last term when Patrick Roberts was breathing down his neck, is relaxed about having to fend off further suitors for his shirt.
“I said it a few times but for every position in this team there are two or three players who don’t get into the squad who can play in that position,” said the winger. “It is not just games, it is training too where the gaffer wants everyone to be at it. There are boys wanting to play and you need to be at the top of your game. It has helped me.
“The manager can change the team and he knows he can trust other boys. Everyone is fighting for the place and once they are in they want to stay.
“There are so many players over the years who have played my position. It is the type of position that you will have a few players there because of the amount of games over the season. I think Celtic are a massive club and they are always going to want to attract big players and make the team better.”
Forrest is out of contract at the end of this season and has re-iterated that he wishes to spend his career at Celtic. Having been at the club since the age of 9, the Scotland internationalist is well on course to become one of the most decorated players that the club has produced.
Forrest has already won 14 major honours with the Parkhead side and at 27 is just coming into the peak of his career. He doesn’t envisage that his future, short-term or otherwise, will lie beyond Glasgow.
Brendan Rodgers has intimated that Forrest is next in line for a new deal and the winger has no desire to scout out any alternative options.
“I’ve still got time here, but if the club make it clear they want to give me a new contract, I’d be delighted to do it,” he said. “With hard and crucial games every couple of days, you can concentrate on the football.
“I’ve made it clear to the club that I’ve only ever been here and would love to work hard for as long as I can.
“Since I’ve come through, I know how big this club is and every match is high pressure, you are going for trophies and trying to play in the Champions League.
“It’s an unbelievable club and I’m just going to keep working hard to stay here for as long as I can.
“Boys from here, they know Celtic is massive around Europe. There are fans everywhere and it helps when you are playing against the best in the Champions League.
“When you are playing for Celtic, it also gives you a chance for the national team, so there are a lot of benefits.
“When things are going good, it’s unbelievable and you are kept on your toes because they are always trying to sign players.
“Personally, it’s good and I’d love to stay.”
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