Martin O’Neill has called on Celtic to hand James Forrest a new deal following his decisive impact in their dramatic Scottish Cup semi-final victory over St Mirren.
In a thrilling encounter at Hampden Park, Celtic powered to a 6-2 extra-time win, but it was Forrest’s introduction that shifted the momentum in their favour.
Coming off the bench just after the hour mark, the experienced winger injected urgency and creativity, playing a key role in turning the tide.
Initially, Celtic had raced into an early lead through Daizen Maeda before Anthony Ralston doubled the advantage before the break.
However, St Mirren fought back strongly, with Mikael Mandron scoring twice to force extra time and set up a tense finish.
As the match entered its decisive phase, Forrest stepped up, providing the assist for Kelechi Iheanacho’s first goal before influencing further attacking moves that led to strikes from substitutes Luke Cowan and Benjamin Nygren.
“I would like to keep James for one more year at least and so that he could see his career through at the football club,” said O’Neill.
“I would be asking the board and I think James would stay for another year.
“He’s 34, with just a little burst he’s given us something.
“He has changed a number of games for us. He changed the game at Aberdeen. Nygren scores the goal, but he came on and changed that.
“We scored from him getting the cross at Rangers as well. So he’s definitely played a part.”
With Celtic now set to face Dunfermline Athletic in the final—managed by O’Neill’s former captain Neil Lennon—attention is already turning to squad planning and experience within the team.
Meanwhile, O’Neill also struck a playful tone when asked about Forrest’s potential return to international football, highlighting the winger’s continued influence despite his age.
“I used to hate this when other managers were telling me how to run the football club or run international football.
“So I do not want to have a headline – but why not? Put him in.”
As Celtic push toward silverware, Forrest’s resurgence could yet prove vital—both in the final and in shaping the club’s immediate future.
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