Celtic winger James Forrest is one of the most decorated players in Scottish football history having won no fewer than 17 major honours as well as a raft of individual awards, writes Matthew Lindsay.

But there is still one glaring omission on his glittering curriculum vitae that rankles him - he has never scored against Rangers at Ibrox.

Forrest is determined to help Neil Lennon’s team win the first Glasgow derby of the season in Govan this afternoon and atone for the 2-0 defeat they suffered on their last trip across the city back in May the week after they had wrapped up their eighth consecutive Scottish title.

However, if he can get his name on the scoresheet it will be a sweet moment for the man who has netted no fewer than six goals in his last seven appearances.

“I’ve played a lot of games at Ibrox and had a lot of good results there, but I’ve not managed to score,” he said. “It’s team game and the most important thing for me is the result for all of us. But aye, of course, I’ve been on good scoring form and if I could help the team out by scoring, I’d love that.

“I remember having some half chances in the past and sometimes in these games that it is all you get in 90 minutes. There might be a wee half chance and, if you don’t take it, that’s you to the next one.

“You want to do well in the big games and the Old Firm matches are unbelievable. To contribute in those is huge and I’ll work hard and hope to get onto the scoresheet.”

“Since we’ve come back, the pre-season felt strong and I’ve come back scoring goals and helping the team. There are young wingers coming through and we are always linked with wingers as well, so that keeps you sharp and on your toes. If you aren’t doing well you won’t play. It‘s like that at Celtic and the same with every team.”

Wealthy Russian club Zenit St Petersburg have been tipped to make a multi-million pound move for Forrest before the transfer window closes at midnight tomorrow evening.

The Scotland internationalist admitted he was flattered to be linked with Zenit, but stressed he is content at Celtic and determined to stay at Parkhead for as long as possible.

“I got a wee bit of confidence from that [Zenit interest], but I’ve always said I love playing at Celtic,” he said. “I’m going to do everything I can to be here for a few more years yet. Celtic is a massive club.”