Celtic thought they had it won… until chaos at Hampden turned this Scottish Cup semi-final into a goal-fest, with James Forrest once again proving why he is “special.”
The Hoops raced into an early lead and looked in complete control before a spirited St Mirren comeback forced extra time. But Martin O’Neill’s side responded in devastating fashion, scoring four goals in six minutes to seal a 6-2 win and book their place in the final.
Celtic took a 2-0 lead into the break after Anthony Ralston struck late in the first half, but the Buddies hit back with two goals to drag the tie into extra time and stun the Hoops support.
However, Celtic blew the Paisley club away in a ruthless burst, netting four times in six minutes as the game flipped completely and O’Neill’s side surged into the final.
Who gets your man of the match award for their semi-final display?
Tell us why you voted for them 👀
Martin O’Neill lauds James Forrest as Celtic explode
Lennon asked O’Neill, “Gaffer, I’ve been waiting on this team to explode. And then that 10 minute spell in the first half extra time, they actually move it, the power and pace and quality at the end of it.”
O’Neill replied, “Absolutely, isn’t it amazing that you get a surge of confidence from the first goal, thinking you’ve won the game, and then it doesn’t happen.”
“The game can go either way at that point. But we got that surge again, with James beating his player and Iheanacho heading into the net for us.”
Lennon said, “He’s a big player Forrest, isn’t he?”
O’Neill responded, “He does great. I’d rather have had him at 24 than 34.”
Lennon added, “I did have him at 24, he was pretty special.”
O’Neill concluded, “He’s special, yeah. A special player.”
Celtic produce familiar Jekyll and Hyde display
Celtic delivered another performance that has defined their season. A fast, dominant start was followed by a drop-off that allowed St Mirren back into the contest.
It is a pattern supporters know all too well, and one that will still raise concern despite the emphatic final scoreline.
Whatever was said before extra time had an immediate impact as Celtic found another level. Supporters will now hope this Hampden goal-fest becomes the spark for a strong finish to the season.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
