HE may rate the dramatic last-gasp win over Lazio in Rome as one of the finest of his long and trophy-laden Celtic career, but James Forrest has no intentions of basking in the afterglow of the historic victory for long.
Forrest contributed massively to the result in the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday evening; his stunning goal eight minutes before half-time got the visitors back on level terms at a crucial stage in the match.
But the winger, who celebrated with his team mates in front of the 9,000-strong travelling support after a 2-1 triumph that ended their winless run on Italian soil and secured a place in the last 32 of the Europa League with two group games remaining, wants more.
READ MORE: Watch highlights from Celtic's 2-1 victory over Lazio
He has targeted top spot in Group E and a place among the 16 seeded teams in the draw for the knockout rounds on December 16. Forrest is positive his manager Neil Lennon is of the same mind and will treat their remaining games – against Rennes at Parkhead later this month and Cluj away in Romania next month – seriously.
“To qualify after just four games is unbelievable,” he said. “But we all want to make sure that we top the group now. That will help us going into the last 32 in the new year so it is important. The manager will want to finish on a high and I’m sure he will field strong teams.”
The 28-year-old, who signed a new four year contract tying him to Celtic until 2023 last month, was still struggling to wipe the smile off his face yesterday as he reflected on the remarkable events in the Eternal City.
The treble treble winners had fallen behind to an early Ciro Immobile goal. But Forrest’s goal gave them the belief they could triumph. The visitors dominated the second-half, created a number of scoring chances and deserved to win when substitute Olivier Ntcham netted in the fifth and final minute of injury-time.
READ MORE: Scott Brown: Win over Lazio in Italy ranks alongside the greatest European results of my career
"It's right up there with my best wins for Celtic,” he said. “To go to Rome and beat Lazio in that stadium? It was an unbelievable feeling. You don't get much better than that.
“The night just had a special feel. When we went out to do the warm up, the fans were already in the ground. You looked out across the stadium and you could see how much it meant to them.
"Then we get the winner and all the boys are together, celebrating with the fans down that end. It was a top night. I honestly don't think you can get much better than that.
"When we were all celebrating, it was frightening. It's a famous stadium and it was a big moment for the club.
"When the goal went in, you saw everyone running out from the bench and it was clear how much it meant. The manager, the staff and players were all buzzing and rightly so. The boys put in a great shift and to come from 1-0 down and win is brilliant.
"Lazio are on a great run in Serie A but we have beaten a good time twice now. It's been a tremendous start to the group and we are so happy to qualify for the knockout rounds.
"The goal makes the night even more special. We had been playing well just before it and it was then even better after it. Mo played me through and I just went across the keeper. It was a great feeling to score.”
Forrest was delighted to learn that his team mate Callum McGregor had followed his lead and signed a five year contract with Celtic the day before the game. The Scotland internationalist believes everything is in place for the Parkhead club to enjoy a bright future.
"It was great for Callum to get the new contract and it's important to have that core of players,” he said. "There is a really good group in the changing room and that definitely helps. When you all together you get nights like that against Lazio and it's special.”
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