“It was maybe when the second one went in and they announced it on the big screens that it was 99 that I wanted to get the hat-trick and to get a chance for the 100 on the same day.

“It was unbelievable and when you see the staff, players and family members and just how buzzing they were as well, that just makes you happy and that’s really important.”

It’s been 12 years since Forrest made his debut back in May 2010 as an 18-year-old, coming off the bench to score goal number one as a Celt against Motherwell.

And 99 goals on, the 31-year-old says he never would have believed he would end up having the success that he’s experienced.

Reflecting on his time so far, he said: “I think it’s been a great fit for me coming through the Youth Academy and playing for Celtic for all those years, there’s been a lot of loyalty on both sides.

“I’ve contributed a lot and the club has given me a lot back as well so it’s just an experience I’ll always take. It’s been 12 years since my debut and there’s been loads of games, loads of trophies and it’s been a great experience.

“I think after you win things like the Treble and the older you get then you definitely don’t take it for granted.

“It’s amazing what’s been done and what’s been achieved and it’s important I just keep working hard and trying to get as much as I can.

“I never thought about it back then. I came on for 10 minutes in that game and scored on my debut at Celtic Park after coming through the Academy, and there are not many better feelings than that.

'I never thought I would have played so much for Celtic or scored this number of goals.'

"In football, you never know what’s going to happen game-by-game or season-by-season and it’s been an unbelievable journey and one I just want to keep adding to.”

Longevity has been the cause for Forrest to reach such a landmark, winning 10 league titles over his 12 years and he has been a continuous figure in each side over that time.

To stay in the team, Forrest has had to adapt and stay at the top of his game, and it’s that hunger that he will continue to take with him for the rest of his Celtic career.

He added: “I’ve had four or five different managers at the club and there have been loads of players that have come and gone.

'At a club like Celtic and especially being an attacker, in every transfer window you’re always signing wingers and strikers and the competition for places over the years has always been high.'

“It’s good for every player to not feel comfortable and you can’t rest on what you’ve done when there’s someone else wanting your place.

“I don’t look too far in front and in the summer I signed a three-year deal so I’m happy here and I just want to keep working hard and keep adding games and keep contributing to the team.”

James Forrest: I never thought I would reach this landmark