Celtic winger James Forrest admits that he needs to work harder than others because of the injuries that he has suffered in recent years.

The Hoops winger has been plagued by injuries over the last two seasons, which have severely affected his overall fitness and playing time.




He has again struggled with injuries this term too, missing a chunk of the season due to knee troubles and has made only 15 appearances in all competitions for the club.

However, he did play 59 minutes in Celtic’s win over Hamilton last month and was an unused substitute in their 4-0 win over Aberdeen last weekend.
 


Forrest admits that the injuries have taken a toll on his body and he has to work harder than others these days to get in shape ahead of games. However, he admits that injuries have also made him learn how to manage his body better.

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“I know I need to work harder than I have before because of my injuries”, Forrest told Celtic View.

“When you start getting injuries you start to learn how to handle it and you perhaps take yourself out of training here or there but everyone gets them. That’s part and parcel of football.”

Forrest stressed that he is not making the same mistake of rushing back into football and is taking his time to build his fitness back before he gets heavily involved with Celtic’s season again.

He also stressed that Ronny Deila is also careful about managing his body and doesn’t want him to rush things. He added that he knows that the Norwegian will give him an opportunity to impress once he attains full fitness, which has allowed him to take his own time to build his body back for the rigours of regular competitive football.

“Managing it and dealing with it is the big thing. I’m just building up and making sure I come back when I’m ready. The gaffer is good with that and he doesn’t want to rush you into playing.

“He wants you to be 100 per cent when you’re playing and when you’re fit he’s happy to play you. It’s good for all parties when it’s like that. It’s good for me and for the management.

“If I’m 100 per cent then I’ll give my best to the team.”

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