James Forrest has opened up about the emotional turmoil of facing his brother Alan in a title-deciding clash between Celtic and Hearts on the final day of the Scottish Premiership season. The Forrest family watched from the stands as both siblings were introduced as substitutes in the second half, with the league crown hanging in the balance.
A Family Divided on the Pitch
James, a Celtic legend chasing his 14th league title, and Alan, dreaming of ending Hearts' 66-year wait for a championship, were thrown into the action with 30 minutes remaining. With just three minutes left, it seemed Hearts would triumph, but James's side snatched victory, securing a record-breaking 26th major honour for the winger. Alan returned to Tynecastle empty-handed.
Reflecting on the day, James told reporters: "Obviously all my family were at the game, but then we both came on with like half an hour to go. I think - talking to my family and that after - they were buzzing for me. But I think they were obviously just wanting to make sure that my brother was all right as well because it would have been a tough moment for him."
High Stakes and No Time for Jokes
This wasn't the first time the brothers had faced each other, but the occasion made it unique. "I remember for years when he was at Ayr, we always said that we wanted to meet in the cup and we never played. And then once he moved to Livi, we played against each other a few times and it was the same with Hearts," James said. "But I think it was just that occasion, it was the last game. I think maybe he would have been a bit surprised to have been coming on as well because he hadn't played much as well."
"There was a lot at stake for everybody, so there was no time for wee jokes or that! I didn't actually manage to see him that day, but I saw him the next morning. Obviously, he was gutted and he was just saying that their lads and staff were gutted."
Celtic's Dramatic Title Win
James described the finale as one of the best league triumphs of his career. "It was mental, I've never had a season like that to be fair since I've been at Celtic. I think it's right up there, probably the best league I've won, just with everything," he said. "We'd gone the full year and then, obviously, getting to the last day, having to beat Hearts off the top of the table to win it and then scoring so late on and that as well, it was unbelievable."
"The way it went, I think all the lads stuck together and really came together as a club in the last month, six weeks of the season and then managed to get a Double. It's definitely, 100 per cent, up there with the best."
Hearts' Summer Rebuild
Alan Forrest is now a free agent after leading an exodus from Hearts, who are undergoing a major rebuild following the departures of boss Derek McInnes, skipper Lawrence Shankland, and midfielder Cammy Devlin to Rangers. James acknowledged the challenge ahead: "I think every year, the main thing for us since I've been here is always just focusing on Celtic. Just us having a good pre-season, us starting the season the right way and getting together as a group."
"We know obviously that Hearts pushed us right to the end last year. But Rangers were right up there until the kind of split games I think as well. We know both teams will be there challenging and as I said, I think us as a club, staff and players, everyone needs to get together and just be ready for a push from other teams as well."
