Brendan Rodgers ‘so pleased’ for James Forrest after he maintains Celtic run

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers remarked on the “absolutely amazing” roar that greeted James Forrest’s late equaliser as the winger produced yet another memorable moment in his Parkhead career.

Forrest maintained his record of scoring in every season since his debut late in 2009/10 when he finished at the near post to seal a 1-1 draw with St Mirren in the fourth minute of stoppage time in the final league match.

The 33-year-old has now scored in 16 consecutive campaigns, emulating Paul McStay and Jimmy McGrory. Only Bobby Lennox and Jimmy McMenemy boast a longer run.

Forrest picked the perfect moment – just before he walked out with the William Hill Premiership trophy to deliver the silverware to his team-mates.

“He’s created the narrative,” Rodgers said. “It was a brilliant way to end what has been a fantastic league campaign for us.

“We got there in the end and it was a wonderful feeling for James and for everyone in the stadium. I’m so pleased for him.

“I think at any level, but to do it at a club like this here and at any big club where there’s pressures, it’s a remarkable achievement. It’s testament to him and his hunger, his desire, his professionalism, all the things that it takes to be a top player.

“You think as a wide player as well, at a club like this where there’s a constant stream of wingers and people coming in to take your place.

“There was so much goodwill for James to do it and you sensed it as the season came towards the end.

“But the noise was absolutely amazing. I think it would have happened earlier if he hadn’t been injured this season, but absolutely amazing for him and his family and clearly for us and it gives the stadium a real good feeling.”

Forrest injected some much-needed urgency and creativity into the team when he came on shortly after Jonah Ayunga’s 51st-minute opener as the home fans raised a banner in his honour and sang “Jamesy Forrest on the wing”, having finally found a chant for the long-serving winger.

“That will warm his heart and his family’s,” Rodgers said.

“Sometimes guys that come through the system, they can get taken for granted a little bit. People will be idolised that maybe have only been here for a season or a couple of seasons.

“But for him to be here all his career and all his life and perform to the level that he has, I’m so happy for him that he’s getting this feeling now.

“It’s not the end or his last game – he still can contribute a lot for us, and so it’s really nice for him.”

Forrest went on to receive a club-record 26th winners’ medal and the man he overtook in the list, Lennox, was there to see it.

“It will mean a lot to James and I think that’s significant Bobby being here,” Rodgers said.

“It was really, really nice and having been that record holder for so many years and passing the baton onto James, it’s really special. So great for Bobby and we’re thankful that he was able to come.”

St Mirren were nine points adrift of fifth place at the split but they were heading for European football until Dundee United overturned Aberdeen’s lead at Tannadice with two quickfire second-half goals.

Manager Stephen Robinson said: “We are unbeaten in the top six and I’m not sure when that might happen again for St Mirren.

“Three years in a row in the top six and fighting for European places. It’s a good time to be a St Mirren fan and I’m proud to say I’m the manager of that group of boys.”