Walking up the touchline at Tannadice last Saturday, James Forrest seemed momentarily lost in his thoughts.
The Celtic winger had just helped his side to a fourth successive title and their 13th in 14 years. In doing so, he’d become the club’s most decorated player with 26 honours.
He appeared oblivious, however, to the adulation washing down towards him from the stands.
Choking back the tears a few minutes later, it was evident that the enormity of what he’d achieved had just hit him.
When he was then asked to cast his mind back 15 years, and what his emotions and expectations were when he made a scoring debut as a substitute against Motherwell, Forrest left his inquisitors with the distinct impression that the nine-minute cameo in 2010 would have been enough for him.
‘Even up until then, I never really thought about it. I just wanted to play for Celtic,’ said the 33-year-old.
Forrest was emotional as he remembered the inspirational words of Tommy Burns
James Forrest became Celtic’s most decorated player when they won title last weekend
Flashback to 2010 when James Forrest, centre, scored his first goal for Celtic on his debut against Motherwell
‘I just thought that was the next step. When you’re younger, you don’t think about it (possible achievements) as much.
‘You look back at the goal and you see the amount of players that were buzzing for you.
‘At the time, you don’t know what you’re going to do. You just want to play for Celtic and I managed to do that.’
As he sat somewhat dazed in a dressing room that day, Forrest was acutely aware that if his Celtic career ended there and then, he’d still have achieved a dream that remains elusive to so many.
‘I remember Tommy Burns used to have a meeting every year when you were 13 or 14.
‘He always used to say that the percentage of players that would come through and play at Celtic was one per cent.
‘There were so many thousands of kids in Scotland or Ireland (hoping to make it)
‘It’s just great that you’ve managed to come through and obviously make your debut, stay in the first team and be a part of the success.’
Burns, tragically, didn’t live to see Forrest take that first step.
But his words have served as an inspiration as some 524 appearances and 108 goals have been registered by the winger for the team he loved.
‘Anyone that’s known Tommy, you can just remember the enthusiasm and everything he had,’ Forrest said.
‘Cal (McGregor) obviously, he’ll remember him in that way as well. He knew what it was like to play for Celtic.
‘It’s good for young boys that they have coaches and players that have played for Celtic and they can give you their experience and that can help you.’
