James Forrest wants Celtic stay NEXT season as Hoops legend labels current squad one of the best ever

The veteran Celtic winger wants to extend his time at the club and add to the 24 trophies he's won in 15 years at Parkhead.

James Forrest says Celtic’s squad is one of the best he’s EVER been part of - and revealed he’s ready to sign up for another year under Brendan Rodgers.

The 33-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season but already has his eye on a new deal at Parkhead. Forrest is still a key player at Celtic and came off the bench in their thumping 5-1 Champions League win over Slovan Bratislava on Wednesday night. Forrest, who has won an incredible 24 trophies over 15 years at Celtic, will feature in their Premier Sports Cup quarter-final against Falkirk today.

He reckons he hasn’t played in many better teams than the one Rodgers has now assembled. And the veteran winger is desperate to be a part of it for as long as possible. Asked if this is one of the strongest squads in his time at the club, Forrest said: “Aye, I think the manager has recruited well.

“He’s always talked about quality over quantity and he’s definitely got that now. You can see the players he’s signed have already made an impact. That’s great for the players who were already here. It’s good when players come in and really freshen it up. That’s what’s happened so far.

“For myself, the end of last season was really good, I really enjoyed my football. And I’ve enjoyed the start of this one as well. Obviously I’m getting older but I feel I’ve still got a part to play and I love it here. Being at Celtic, such a massive club - I’ve been here my whole career. I’d love to stay on and that will maybe come into the discussion at some point.”

Forrest will be 34 at the start of next term but says he isn’t ready to hang up his boots yet. He might not be a regular starter for Rodgers but - as he proved in Europe in midweek - the Scotland wide man can still contribute as Celtic go for more silverware.

Forrest said: “I’ve started this season feeling good and I haven’t even thought about stopping, to be honest. I’m really enjoying playing just now.

"I’m looking forward to being involved in big games like the Champions League the other night. The squad has a really positive feel about it just now so I want to keep working hard and play in as many games as I can.”

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