JAMES Forrest had no issues with Celtic demonstrating a less exciting side to their game in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Motherwell at Parkhead.

Moussa Dembele opened the scoring from the spot in the 34th minute to take his tally for the season to 27, before Forrest rifled in a drive which had the points effectively safe by the interval.

In terms of performance, however, it was a far cry from the high-tempo, incisive and punishing football Brendan Rodgers’s side have been playing for most of the season, exemplified in last week’s 6-0 thrashing of Inverness in the William Hill Scottish Cup fifth-round tie at Celtic Park.

But Forrest, who has now netted seven times this season, was pleased that his side showed they can still get the job done.

“We spoke before the game about trying to get a few shots in during the first 20 minutes but that didn’t happen,” the Scotland international said. “We took our time but once we got the first goal we felt more confident.

“A few times this season when we haven’t been at our best we’ve still managed to keep a clean sheet and win the game. That’s a good sign. This is as good as winning 6-0 last week as it shows you can do both sides of the game.

“I’m delighted to get another goal, the three points, a clean sheet and another good performance. So we’re buzzing and delighted all round.”

Rodgers complained afterwards about the state of the Parkhead pitch and revealed he would be looking for a new one to be laid in the summer.

“The gaffer has said not to make excuses but I think the boys have coped well with it,” Forrest said. “In the last couple of games at home we’ve scored some good goals and kept some clean sheets as well.

“I think everyone to a certain extent has been affected by it but once the game is going you don’t think about it.

“You just get on with it and play the conditions.”

The runaway Ladbrokes Premiership leaders extended their unbeaten domestic run since the start of the season to 31 games with what was their 20th successive league victory.

Motherwell’s Mark McGhee believes that if anyone is to beat Celtic before the end of the season, it will probably be Aberdeen.

The Fir Park manager, who was sent to the stand after rowing with the fourth official during his team’s 7-2 thrashing at Pittodrie on Wednesday night, said: “Celtic could go unbeaten for the rest of the season.

“But if Aberdeen can play as well as they did against us on Wednesday night against them, they’ll give them a hell of a game.

“What has not been said enough about that game the other night was how Aberdeen were, they were brilliant. It was as well as I have seen them play for a long, long time.”