James Forrest joins Celtic’s 500 club and savours another derby victory

On a day when Celtic supporters celebrated a superb performance from the team which delivered a 3-0 victory over Rangers at Paradise, there was another reason to celebrate. Because James Forrest’s introduction as a substitute in the 72nd minute also marked a momentous milestone in the shape of his 500th appearance for Celtic, becoming only the 13th player to hit that number. Not surprisingly, Paradise rose to acclaim a great Celt, who had made his first appearance back on May 1, 2010, when he came on as a substitute and scored in a 4-0 win. And while Forrest didn’t mark his 500th game with a goal, he was still delighted to play his part in a dominant derby win for the Hoops. Speaking to Celtic TV after the game, the 33-year-old said: “It’s hard to describe. When you come through here as a young player you’re buzzing when you make your debut and I’ve just kicked on since then and it’s been really good personally and for the club over the past few years. “It’s been very successful and I’m absolutely delighted. “Today, the boys from the start were unbelievable. Coming into games like this, it’s always hard whether you’re at home or away from home, it’s always difficult but the boys stuck at it – the ones who started the game and the ones who finished it – and we showed that we’re a real team.”And while James Forrest was making his 500th appearance for Celtic, another player was savouring his debut. Luke McCowan, who joined the club on deadline day from Dundee, came off the bench in the 77 minute, and the lifelong Celtic fan was delighted to make his first appearance and also be part of a Celtic team that won a Glasgow derby. He said: “It’s indescribable. It’s a surreal feeling so it’s a dream come true for me but there’s plenty of hard work to go. “You’re thrown in at the deep end and it’s just about showing that you can swim really. But it was a great occasion to come on to. “The result speaks for itself and the form of the team just now is amazing and for me to come and learn from guys like James and be able to share dressing rooms with the likes of him and Cal is amazing. So there’s a lot to be learned from now on, but it’s been brilliant.”