Forrest to battle for place

James FORREST is more than ready for the battle for his place at Celtic. The winger, 20, who came through the youth ranks at Parkhead, made his breakthrough last season and impressed enough to be handed a Scotland debut by Craig Levein.

Hoops boss Neil Lennon believes he is "spoilt for choice" with regards his midfielders, and even with skipper Scott Brown suspended and Paddy McCourt injured, Forrest could only find a place on the bench in Sunday's 2-0 Clydesdale Bank Premier League win over Hibs at Easter Road.

However, he has no intention of doing anything other than fighting to get back into the starting XI. "A loan was never an option. Celtic is where I was brought up and I don't want to leave here. I don't want to give up that easy," said Forrest, ahead of tomorrow night's friendly against Wolves at Celtic Park.