Freezing temperatures await Celtic when they land in Trondheim this afternoon but that will not stop James Forrest from trying to turn the heat up on the Norwegian champions.

Brendan Rodgers' side realistically need a win from the Europa League meeting against Rosenborg to set them up for the conclusive game against group leaders Salzburg. But Forrest, who netted the only goal of the game against Rosenborg in a Champions League qualifiers sixteen months ago, believes that Celtic are capable of emerging from a ground that has become a home from home for them with the result they need.

This week’s trip to the Lerkendal Stadium will be the third time Celtic have played there in the last16 months given that the two team have been paired in the Champions League qualifiers in successive seasons. And yet, if the assignment of going to Trondheim and emerging with a win that would keep them within a chance of qualifying out of the group has been presented as relatively straightforward, Celtic's track record would underline the perils it could present; in 14 away games in the Europa League, Celtic are yet to win on the road. It is something that Forrest would like to correct. We’ve two hard games left but we’ll give it our all," said the in-form winger.

“Beating Leipzig gives us hope. It was a really good performance against a strong side.

"We knew we had to win that night and we did, which was a positive for us as we try to put on the kind of show we’ll need in Norway.

"We can take confidence from that display and we’re looking forward to this one.

“The manager told us that, even though we were drawn in a really tough group, that getting through it was what everyone at the club wanted.

“Having European football after Christmas is important because it gives the players and the coaches and the backroom staff and the fans a real buzz."

Celtic will return from the game against Rosenborg and head straight into the Betfred League Cup final at Hampden. Aberdeen await for that one but Forrest, a staple of Rodgers' side over the last two-and-a-half seasons, is unfazed at the magnitude of the games that lie in wait for Celtic.

“That’s the way it is at Celtic," he said. "Right from the start of the season, you have big games every single week – when it’s not important league matches it’s cup semi-finals or semi-finals and European ties.

“But that’s all down to what the manager does. He won’t let anyone get carried away and that’s good for us. We might have a good win but three days later we have another big game and we’ve got to win that one as well.

“So, yes, this is a huge week but that’s what you want as a player – your ambition is to play in big games.” Forrest has been pivotal for both club and country of late. Last season he enjoyed his best ever scoring return with 17 goals, a tally that he looks capable of eclipsing this season with 9 goals already to his name. And the winger has attributed his consistency to the incessant demands of the Rodgers, who could win his seventh successive trophy with the club this weekend.

“It’s been like that ever since the manager came to the club a couple of seasons ago," said Forrest. "He’s been really good for me but you can also see the impact he’s had on everyone else in the squad.

“He’s made us hungry for more and you just want to keep that going. When you win big games and you lift trophies then it gives you that edge; you won’t give in.

“Like the manager always says, when you win something or do something good then it definitely gives you the appetite to go on. You want success even more and that drives you on as a player.” While Forrest has hogged the headlines lately with his five goals in two games for Scotland and his performances for Celtic, Ryan Christie has also shot to prominence for Rodgers' side since the League Cup semi-final win over Hearts in October.

“Since Ryan came into the Celtic team a few games back he’s been astonishing," enthused Forrest. "He’s really energetic and that’s given the other boys in the team a lift.

"But ever since we reported back for pre-season training he’s worked his socks off and, obviously, most people don’t get to see that because they only get to watch our games. But he’s earned his chances and, hopefully, he can maintain this level for club and country.

“He did very well on loan at Aberdeen and he’s a confident lad who never lets his head go down. Anyone who hasn’t been in the first team who gets a chance simply has to take it and he’s not only done that – he’s kicked on again.

“When he first signed for us he was still young and he hadn’t filled out properly then but he works hard in the gym and I’m delighted for him."