The Celtic standard setter who Joe Hart 'can't think any higher of as a person'

Joe Hart admits he's in awe of Celtic legend James Forrest and wishes his Hampden goal proved to be the Scottish Cup semi-final winner.

A picture of eternal youth, one-club man Forrest has become a squad player in recent seasons but remains a vital part of the fabric at Parkhead. He underlined his importance last weekend by climbing off the bench to put the Hoops in front against Aberdeen before the Dons notched two last-gasp goals to force the game into extra-time and then penalties.

In the end, it was Hart who emerged as the shootout hero but the veteran goalkeeper wishes it was humble Forrest, 32, who had made the headlines.

He said: "I just wish his goal was the winner. James has been exceptional. I couldn't think any higher of him as a person. He sets the standards. He's been out of squads this season, and he's trained brilliantly every single day.

"We've had injury problems and the club have made commitments to other players with contracts and things like that. That's life at the top end. But James hasn't flinched.

"He's been exceptional every time he has been called upon and he was brilliant for us last Saturday. I just wish we could have finished the game at 2-1 in 90 minutes, then it would be James having the conversations afterwards."