JAMES Forrest is once again one of the nominees for the Dafabet Celtic Player of the Year Award, but he faces tough competition from nine of his team-mates to pick up the coveted honour, which is voted for by Celtic fans.

It’s a measure of the quality within Neil Lennon’s side and the way the team has played this season that it is so difficult to pick a frontrunner, and the Hoops reinforced their position as Scotland’s top team with a stunning run of form in 2020 after returning from their winter training camp in Dubai.

Having already won the League Cup and beaten Lazio home and away to reach the last 32 of the Europa League, Celtic won 12 of their 13 domestic fixtures this year, drawing just one, establishing a commanding 13-point lead at the top of the table and reaching the semi-final of the Scottish Cup.

And speaking to the Celtic View podcast, James Forrest explained that there was a real determination within the squad to start strongly after the winter break, something the team had done in previous seasons.

“All the boys have been on the top of their game,” he said, “and we’ve had some really good results, winning 12 out of 13 since we’ve come back, which is really good, and that’s why where we are where are just now.

“The last couple of years, whenever we’ve come back from Dubai, we’ve always seemed to kick on. So there was maybe a wee bit more pressure this year to make sure we did it again, and the performances and results have been really good.

“The consistency from the team and the staff to keep making sure everyone stays on their toes – that comes from young players coming through and new signings as well. Even players that sometimes can’t get in the squad – they’re international players too – so the standard has maybe helped with the success over the past few years.”

As well as his Player of the Year nomination, James Forrest is also up for the Magners Celtic Goal of the Season Award, for his strike in Sweden against AIK, a goal that he is delighted with. And while both categories are difficult to choose from, Forrest has own favourite for Player of the Year.

“It’s tough because we’ve had a lot of good results in big games, and the European campaign was a success even though the way it finished wasn’t the way we wanted.

“The big one was the Lazio away game. The club had never won before in Italy, and Lazio were doing well in their league, so that was a big moment. And winning the League Cup final in the way that we did, which was maybe different from the previous couple of years, was a really good moment this season. There has been so many this season.

“There are a lot of players who’ve had a really good season, but I think I’d go for Odsonne. The goals he’s scored and the way he’s played for being such a young age, I’d vote for him. He’s really laidback and chilled as well, but he’s come up with really big goal and big performances, and it’s great to have him in the team.”

LISTEN TO JAMES FORREST ON THE CELTIC VIEW PODCAST, sponsored by Eden Mill
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Celtic View podcast: James Forrest on Hoops' fantastic 2020 form