CELTIC scored all three goals in their comfortable 3-0 win over St Johnstone last night (Wednesday) inside 27 minutes, in what was a dazzling half-hour of football. James Forrest, who scored the second of the night, said it was some of the best football the Hoops’ have opened a game with this season.

The 28-year-old started the match at right wing-back in a 3-5-2 formation, and while admitting the role has him playing deeper than he’s familiar with, he said he was delighted to contribute with an assist and a goal.

“Last night was one of the best 45 minutes we’ve started with this season,” said Forrest. “We’ve got a lot of good players, and over the last few games, the manager has changed the formation which has kept us all on our toes. It’s good to play in different positions, and if you’re helping the team out then I don’t mind playing anywhere.

“Playing at wing-back is more defensive than I’m used to, but we have plenty of great defensive players that talk us through the game. Getting forward is what the coaches want, they want us attacking and I think it’s a good system to use. It’s worked the last few games, and that’s good for us."

For Forrest, the mid-season winter break came at a good time for Celtic, and has inspired the latest run of four wins from four. Now, the Scottish champions travel to Hamilton this Sunday, where they aim to extend their perfect start to the new decade.

The winger added: “The way we started against St Johnstone was good. Having two strikers has worked really well, and when teams sit in, that gives them an extra problem.

“When the ball is out wide, the manager likes to have midfielders in the box as well. We scored with a couple of crosses yesterday and the manager and coaches were happy with that.

“There are a lot of tricky grounds to travel to. Most teams are up for it, especially against Celtic, and we know it’ll be a tough game against Hamilton.”

James Forrest: First half at St Johnstone was among our best