James Forrest wants Celtic to build on positive European experience

James Forrest believes he and his team-mates benefited from their Europa League campaign.SNS Group

James Forrest believes the experience of playing in Europe this season will benefit Celtic during this summer’s Champions League qualifiers.

The Hoops were drawn in a tough Europa League group with eventual champions Atletico Madrid, Udinese and French side Rennes.

The Italians ended up finishing third in Serie A to set up their own shot in Europe’s elite competition while Rennes could still end the campaign fifth in Ligue Un.

Forrest, who will miss Scotland’s friendly against the USA next week, says the club’s younger players learned a lot from the group games.

He said: "The Europa League this year was good for a lot of the lads who have not played in that before.

"It gave us all experience and hopefully we can take that on this year into the Champions League."

The 20-year-old, who remains in contention to be selected for Team GB in this summer’s Olympics, was named PFA and SPL Young Player of the Year this season.

The Ayrshire-born youngster has targeted a pre-season return in order to help the club hit the ground running next term.

He added: "I'm delighted to get a few awards to show what I've done throughout the year," he said.

"I'm delighted on a personal note as well as a team note.

"I think my form has been good. I'm just gutted to have been injured for the last few weeks of the season. I'm just focused on getting back fit and playing for Celtic again.

"I've started running in the last week or two. The physios and doctors are happy and I'll definitely be back for pre-season."

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