Long-serving Celtic star James Forrest signs new contract extension

Brendan Rodgers believes James Forrest has “so much more to give” to Celtic after the long-serving winger extended his contract until the summer of 2026.

The 33-year-old has been with the Hoops for his entire career after coming through the ranks to make his debut in May 2010.

He has made 500 appearances, scored over 100 goals and claimed 24 major honours to become the second most-decorated player in the club’s history.

Forrest has a chance to add further silverware to his collection after agreeing a new deal that will keep him at Parkhead for the next 18 months.

“This announcement is brilliant news for the club,” manager Rodgers told the Celtic website.

“James has given everything to Celtic and so much to me personally, but make no mistake, he has so much more to give.

“I look at last season and this one already and see a player undoubtedly who will still deliver for us.

“He is a born winner, someone with such talent and desire and I know he can play a hugely-important role in bringing us continued success.

“His heart and passion will always be with Celtic and I am so pleased he has decided to extend his contract.”

Forrest appeared to have slipped from prominence at Celtic before a strong personal resurgence last season in which he became a key player in Rodgers’ team and earned a recall to the Scotland squad in time to go to Euro 2024.

The attacker has made 16 appearances for his boyhood club this term, six as a starter.

“I’ve loved every minute of being here, from being a wee boy coming through the youth and all the ups that I’ve had playing for the first team,” said Forrest.

“I’m just delighted that I’ve managed to work hard and hopefully I can keep contributing to the team for another year.

“There’s always been great players and managers at this club. Being a part of this club is a great feeling and once I finish my career I’ll properly look back and think about it all.

“When you’re in the bubble of it, there’s nothing better than playing and winning things here.”

The announcement of Forrest’s new deal comes 24 hours after Celtic announced Canada right-back Alistair Johnston had pledged himself to the club until 2029.