Blaze Of Glory

Forrest fires Celtic to derby victory

- Tony Connelly

JAMES Forrest scored the first goal of Neil Lennon’s second spell as Celtic manager, netting the opener in a dramatic 2-1 win over Hearts at Tynecastle.

On Sunday, he scored what could be one of the most important goals of the campaign, firing home with just four minutes of the match remaining to give Celtic a 2-1 victory over Rangers, a result which put the Hoops 13 points clear at the top of the table and within touching distance of an eighth consecutive league title.

The goal came from a Rangers mistake, with James Tavernier’s slack pass pounced on by Callum McGregor. His first-time pass found Odsonne Edouard, who showed great skill and awareness to hold up the ball and then roll it into the path of Forrest, who took a touch before firing home.

It was a reversal of roles from Celtic’s previous game at Dens Park, where Forrest was the provider for Edouard’s injury-time winner.

And the winger was delighted at scoring the goal to deliver a vital three points for his team. Speaking to the Celtic View after the game, Forrest said: “Callum anticipated them giving the ball away and he did really well to win back possession for us. Odsonne managed to take a good touch, turned and made a perfect pass. I was just glad to be there for him and get on the end of it.