Celtic do not need to overthink the James Forrest situation anymore. What happened at Hampden said everything, and his words afterwards only made it clearer.
This came on the back of that chaotic 6-2 win over St Mirren in the Scottish Cup semi final. It was one of those games that never quite settled, swinging back and forth before Celtic finally took control in extra time. When they did, they did it in ruthless fashion, scoring four times in the space of six minutes to blow the game wide open.
Forrest played a big part in that shift. Coming off the bench, he brought energy, directness and composure at a moment when the game needed it. It was the kind of cameo that reminds you exactly what he still offers. Martin O’Neill did not hold back afterwards, calling his impact “special”.
Celtic get their answer from James Forrest at Hampden:
Naturally, the contract talk followed almost immediately. Forrest did not dance around it or give a vague answer. He spoke plainly, and there was no room for misinterpretation.
Forrest said, “I’ve spoken to the club a couple of times but the main thing I think I’ve always said is I’ve been here my full career and I don’t want to play anywhere else.
“I’ve made it clear that the main thing is contributing for the team in that as well and then my situation will sort itself out.
“I know he’s [Martin O’Neill] spoken to me a couple of times in the last couple months but I’ve just said like I don’t want to go anywhere else, I just want to be here.
“The club know that, so that will definitely get sorted… I’m just kind of focusing on the games.”
That is as straightforward as it gets. He has spoken to the club, he knows where he stands, and his focus is still on helping the team.
Celtic decision now clear as Forrest removes all doubt:
There is no grey area here. Forrest has made his position known more than once, and he has been consistent every time he speaks about it.
He is not agitating for a move, not putting pressure on the club publicly, and not creating any noise around his future. He simply wants to stay and keep contributing.
At this point, the ball is firmly in Celtic’s court. If there is any delay or hesitation, it is coming from the club side, not the player.
O’Neill has already made his view clear, saying he would like Forrest to be given another year. That backing matters, especially at a stage of the season where every decision carries weight.
All of this is unfolding during a crucial run of games, with league pressure still there and a cup final to prepare for. Forrest, though, is not letting it become a distraction. His focus is on the pitch, and he is letting everything else fall into place around that.
From Celtic’s perspective, there is nothing left to figure out. Forrest has said what he wants, shown what he can still do, and done it without making it complicated.