We all know what happened in season 2016/17 with the arrival of Brendan Rodgers and what that kick-started - the Invincible season plus FIVE Trebles and 17 trophies since then in unprecedented success as the Invincibles very quickly became the Inevitables such was the tranche of silverware success

The honour of scoring the very first goal on the way to such domestic bliss was James Forrest against Hearts at Tynecastle on August 8, 2016.

It was in the eighth minute that Forrest sent the ball curling beyond Jack Hamilton with a left-foot shot to pave the way for a historic 2-1 win – little did we know then what was to follow.

And now, exactly seven years following that goal, Brendan Rodgers’ first game back at Paradise this coming season will be in the James Forrest Testimonial against Basque side, Athletic Club, with the La Liga side making the trip from Bilbao for the event.

The Hoops boss said: “James has been an absolutely brilliant ambassador and player for the club.

"I think that sometimes when you come through the system you maybe don’t quite get the accolades of some others, but when you play the number of games he has for Celtic, win the trophies that he’s won and still be as humble as he is, that’s a great testament to James and the type of person he is.

‘He was absolutely brilliant for me in my first time here, a very important member of the squad and he will be that again this time.’

“So I really hope for his testimonial game we get as many people there as we can, because you won’t see it too many times in the modern game – someone being at the club for so long.

“I think he’s worthy of getting that stadium full, and hopefully we can do that and that will be a great thing from every Celtic supporter and fan to him. And I think he’ll have a really good impact for us this season as well and going forward.”

James Forrest will go down as one of the most decorated Celts of all time, the one club man has lifted 11 League titles, six Scottish Cups and five League Cups. Having joined the Youth Academy in 2002 and making his first team debut in 2010, James has over 450 appearances for the Hoops and over 100 goals.

His well-deserved testimonial will take place at Celtic Park on August 1, tickets for the match between Celtic and Athletic Club are on General Sale now.

CELTIC V ATHLETIC CLUB | TUE, AUG 1 2023 | KO 7:30PM

Tickets are available to buy online only, priced:

Standard Tickets - £22
Concessions - £14
Booking fees apply.

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MATCHDAY HOSPITALITY

A number of matchday hospitality packages will be available for the fixture and supporters can contact matchdayhospitality@celticfc.co.uk with any enquiries.

CHARITIES TO BENEFIT AS WE HONOUR JAMES FORREST

A significant proportion of the funds raised from the match will go to two charities at James’ request, Kilbryde Hospice and Celtic FC Foundation, the charitable arm of Celtic Football Club.

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Brendan Rodgers hails James Forrest as Testimonial nears