Celtic fans needed a breather after that Scottish Cup semi-final win over St Mirren on Sunday at Hampden.
But it was the veteran winger James Forrest who stood tall during the most intense pressure moments.
Observing the dramatic shift in momentum following St Mirren’s comeback, Jim Goodwin was quick to highlight Forrest’s crucial impact when Celtic needed it most.
“I asked about leadership qualities within the Celtic team,” Goodwin noted. “James Forrest certainly stepped up to the plate. That’s why he has won so many league titles and cup competitions.”
Goodwin’s assessment is absolutely spot on. After making a complete mess of the second half and allowing a relentless St Mirren side back into the tie, the Hoops looked incredibly vulnerable heading into extra time.
However, what followed was a complete and utter positive transformation.
Should Celtic offer James Forrest a contract extension?
Let us know in the comments!
James Forrest’s impact lauded after Celtic beat St Mirren in Scottish Cup semi-final
Celtic suddenly ran riot, with goals galore, completely blowing the Buddies away – Kelechi Iheanacho’s brace was sublime.
However, the man who kick-started that devastating extra-time blitz was Forrest, stepping up and showcasing exactly why he is Celtic’s most decorated player of all time.
The 34-year-old’s commanding performance highlighted a glaring issue that has plagued this declining Celtic squad all season long.
Far too often, Celtic players have failed to take games by the scruff of the neck when the going gets tough.
That collective reluctance has placed far too much pressure squarely on the shoulders of captain Callum McGregor to constantly dictate play, rescue results and lead the team.
Seeing Forrest step up and grab hold of such a monumentally important fixture is a massive boost.
With a tense Scottish Premiership title run-in on the horizon, Celtic will need that exact brand of battle-hardened leadership more than ever, and Goodwin was right to give Forrest his flowers, as he told Premier Sports.
“At the end of regulation time, if you had asked me who would go on to win the game, I would have said that St Mirren are favourites based on the way they finished the game,” admitted Goodwin.
“But goals change games. I asked about leadership qualities within the Celtic team. James Forrest certainly stepped up to the plate. That’s why he has won so many league titles and cup competitions.
“I think the quick succession of the goals, it really knocked the wind out of St Mirren, and it’s party time for the Celtic supporters.”
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
