MX23RW : Friday, December 14 14:09:01

Forrest calls for one last push from Celtic to reach Europa League knock-outs

Forrest calls for one last push from Celtic to reach Europa League knock-outs
© Reuters
Hoops need at least a point in their final group game in Glasgow on Thursday night.

James Forrest helped Celtic blow Kilmarnock off the top of the Ladbrokes Premiership but stressed it will require "a big push" to overcome Salzburg on Thursday night.

The Scotland winger grabbed a brace in Saturday's 5-1 demolition of Steve Clarke's side who could not cope with the pace and power of the champions.

French striker Odsonne Edouard, captain Mikael Lustig and midfielder Ryan Christie also scored with substitute Eamonn Brophy's penalty a consolation for the visitors.

Celtic ended the weekend two points clear of Rangers, who drew 1-1 with 10-man Dundee at Dens Park on Sunday.

Brendan Rodgers' side will be through to the knockout stages of the Europa League if they win or draw their final Group B clash against the already-qualified Austrian side at Celtic Park, or if RB Leipzig, who are three points behind in third place,  do not win against Rosenborg.

Forrest admits the Killie win was the perfect warm-up for Europe but believes it will take a top-level performance to get through along with Salzburg.

He said: "We know it is going to be a hard game and it will take a big push from everyone and hopefully we get a result on the night.

"We would have taken it being in our own hands going into the last game.

"It is going to take a real push. We know Salzburg are a top side and everyone is going to be at it on the night to make sure we get through.

"Everyone is going to have to put in a big performance to make sure we get through."

After beating Hibernian and Livingston in their previous two games, Killie boss Steve Clarke put the Celtic defeat into context.

He said: "Six points from three games is still a good week for us.

"People can't forget that and I said to the players not to forget that either.

"We still have four games to go (until the winter break) and I've said to the boys if we can pick up as many points as possible from that then we can go into the winter break satisfied with the first half of the season. "


Click here for more stories about James Forrest

Click here for more stories about Celtic

Share this article now:
Hearts manager Craig Levein pictured in 2017
Read Next:
Levein insists VAR is the way forward and suggests Old Firm should help fund it
>

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Celtic159423262631
2RangersRangers1694338142431
3Aberdeen168441915428
4Hearts178452118328
5Kilmarnock167542016426
6St Johnstone167541920-126
7Hibernian1566324121224
8Livingston176561516-123
9Motherwell164481625-916
10Hamilton AcademicalHamilton1741121237-2513
11Dundee1624101329-1610
12St Mirren1724111132-2110

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Login, I already have my ad-free pass
Log in to customise Sports Mole
Buy ad-free access (show me the options)
Buy monthly ad-free access for £1.20/month
Buy yearly ad-free access for £12 (2 months free)
Settings - Logout - Manage your account
Settings - Logout - Manage your account