JAMES Forrest, like the rest of his Celtic team-mates, is hoping to return to training with his team-mates as soon as it is safe to do so, and also to be playing at Paradise again.

And while there is still to be a resolution for the 2019/20 season, Forrest is already looking forward to the new campaign and, in particular, games against Livingston.

Because those fixtures could see him go up against his brother, Alan, after he signed a pre-contract with Livvy.

The 23-year-old has spent the past seven years with Ayr United but is now set to take the next step in his career and play in the Premiership.

For his older brother, who just recently passed the 10th anniversary of his Celtic debut, it’s a well-deserved move and he believes Alan will thrive on the big stage.

“I’ve obviously watched him over the years and I know what he can do,” James Forrest told the Celtic View podcast. “He’s a really good player, so I’m delighted for him that he’s got his move and I’m really confident that he’ll do well and he’ll produce the goods.

“It’s good for him that he’s going to be playing in the top division and I think he was always going to be there at some point.

“Every cup draw that’s happened over the years, we’ve never managed to get Ayr United, but now that he’s going to be playing for Livingston we’ll play against each other. It will be strange and different kind of occasion, but one to look forward to.

“The family will just want it to go well for both of us, but obviously that can’t happen in football, so we’ll just see what happens.”

And as well as passing the anniversary of his first-team debut, when he scored in a 4-0 win over Motherwell back in May 2010, Forrest also reflected on his first derby goal, which came just over two years ago in a 5-0 win at Celtic Park, a comprehensive victory which sealed the title for the Hoops.

“Every title you win is incredible and you just want to keep going when you get a taste of winning,” he said. “But that one – we could have won it the week before against Hibs but we got beat, and then we won against Rangers at home. That was a great day and it was definitely one of the best highlights I’ve had.

“Everyone still talks about that now. It just added to the day and it was a great occasion.”

LISTEN TO JAMES FORREST ON THE CELTIC VIEW PODCAST, in association with Eden Mill
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James Forrest's delight at brother's Premiership move