BBC pundit delivers verdict on James Forrest’s performance as Celtic beat Falkirk

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Celtic returned to winning ways against Falkirk in the Premiership on Wednesday evening.

Martin O’Neill named a pretty experienced XI in his return to the Celtic Park dugout, including James Forrest on the flanks.

Celtic have had many issues on the right wing since Nicolas Kuhn’s departure in the summer, with several players used, but nobody has been able to cement down their place.

But perhaps Forrest’s outing, as Celtic put four goals past Falkirk, has, for now, erased those doubts, especially with the Rangers game at the weekend.

• READ MORE: Five things we learned from Martin O’Neill’s first win as Celtic manager

Martin O’Neill embraces James Forrest after Celtic’s performance against Falkirk

Cillian Sheridan was at Parkhead for O’Neill’s return, and he lauded Forrest for how he performed on the right flank.

Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland, Forrest was praised for taking his opponent on ‘nearly every time’ he got on the ball.

Michel-Ange Balikwisha would replace Forrest in the second half, and he has been accused of doing the opposite since moving to Glasgow in the summer.

“Also experience, that can sometimes make up for a bit of speed or add a bit of speed,” stated Sheridan.

“If you can anticipate what’s happening, and you are just a split second ahead of seeing the ball being played ahead of the defender, you are already in front of him.

“It’s not like he is slow, by any means. He’s still a quick winger. But I have been impressed with him. He looks like he is confident. Quick. Sharp. He is just looking to take on his man nearly every time.

“Forrest was brilliant. Back to his sharp self. Martin O’Neill gave him a big embrace when he went off. So, I think he has done himself no harm for the weekend.”

Forrest’s numbers against Falkirk

First of all, there aren’t many quality options for O’Neill to pick from ahead of the League Cup semi-final, even though Daizen Maeda has returned from injury.

Forrest put his name forward against Falkirk, and it’s probably best O’Neill sticks with him for Hampden, as Sofascore rated his performance at 7.4.

• Minutes played: 61
• Touches: 27
• Successful dribbles: 2
• Fouled: 2
• Big chances created: 1
• Key passes: 2
• Accurate crosses: 1
• Accurate passes in the opposition half: 12
• Total shots: 3
• Sofascore rating: 7.4