JAMES FORREST admits Celtic were not at their free-flowing best in the 2-0 win over Motherwell on Saturday. 

But the Scotland internationalist, who scored the second goal for Brendan Rodgers’ side, insists while it was disappointing not to come out the traps quicker, keeping a clean sheet and getting three points is a habit the Parkhead team will settle for in their charge towards the Ladbrokes Premiership title.

Striker Moussa Dembele opened the scoring from the spot in the 34th minute to take his tally for the season to 27 before Forrest rifled in a drive which had the points effectively safe by the interval.

Read more: Pitch perfect? Celtic continue to march on but root of matter clear to see

“We spoke before the game about trying to get a few shots in in the first 20 minutes but that didn’t happen,” said the Scotland internationalist.

“We took our time but once we got the first goal we felt more confident. A few times this season when we haven’t been at our best we’ve still managed to keep a clean sheet and win the game. That’s a good sign.

“This is as good as winning 6-0 last week as it shows you can do both sides of the game. 

“I’m delighted to get another goal, the three points, a clean sheet and another good performance. So we’re buzzing and delighted all round.”
Rodgers complained afterwards about the state of the Parkhead pitch and revealed he would be looking for a new one to be laid in the summer.

“The gaffer has said not to make excuses but I think the boys have coped well with it,” added Forrest. 

“In the last couple of games at home we’ve scored some good goals and kept some clean sheets as well.

“I think everyone to a certain extent has been affected by it but once the game is going you don’t think about it. You just get on with it and play the conditions.”

The runaway Premiership leaders extended their unbeaten domestic run since the start of the season to 31 games with what was their 20th successive league victory.

Read more: Pitch perfect? Celtic continue to march on but root of matter clear to see

Motherwell boss Mark McGhee believes that if anyone is to beat Celtic before the end of the season, it will probably be Aberdeen.

The former Pittodrie and Parkhead striker, who was sent to the stand after rowing with the fourth official during the 7-2 thrashing in Aberdeen on Wednesday night, said: “Celtic could go unbeaten for the rest of the season. But if Aberdeen can play as well as they did against us on Wednesday against them, they’ll give them a hell of a game.

“What has not been said enough about that game the other night was how Aberdeen were – they were brilliant. It was as well as I have seen them play for a long, long time.”