James Forrest (footballer)

James Forrest

Forrest playing for Celtic in 2010
Personal information
Full name	James Forrest
Date of birth	(1991-07-07) 7 July 1991 (age 25)
Place of birth	Prestwick, Scotland
Height	1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
Playing position	Right winger
Club information
Current team	Celtic
Number	49
Youth career
2003–2010	Celtic
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2010–	Celtic	138	(28)
National team‡
2008–2010	Scotland U19	13	(2)
2010–2011	Scotland U21	4	(0)
2011–	Scotland	15	(0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 18 February 2017. ‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 08 October 2015

James Forrest (born 7 July 1991) is a Scottish footballer who plays as a winger for Scottish Premiership club Celtic and the Scotland national football team.

He joined Celtic's youth academy in 2003 and progressed through the ranks before making his debut in the 2009–10 season. He has progressed to become a key player in Celtic's team and was widely regarded as one of the brightest young talents in the Scottish game. In November 2011, the Scottish Football Association's performance director, Mark Wotte, described him as being "the light in the darkness" of Scottish football.

Forrest had played at every youth level for Scotland before making his first team debut on 29 May 2011 in a match against the Republic of Ireland. He won 13 caps for the under-19s, having scored two goals. He also won four caps for the under-21s. Forrest has won 13 caps Scotland national football team.

His younger brother, Alan Forrest, plays football for Ayr United.

Forrest had the prospect of a professional tennis career when he was younger. He was consistently approached by Prestwick Tennis Club to play for them, but he refused as he wanted to pursue his career in football. He was described by coaches at the club as being a naturally talented player, who could just "pick up a racquet and play".