Cometh the hour, cometh the legend. James Forrest, a stalwart of Celtic's storied history, once again proved his enduring influence as he helped steer his team to a dramatic 6-2 victory over St Mirren in the Scottish Cup semi-final.
Celtic found themselves in a precarious position, having surrendered a 2-0 lead to a resilient St Mirren side that pushed the match into extra time with the score locked at 2-2. The momentum had shifted, and the favorites were reeling.
Enter Forrest. The 34-year-old winger, who will turn 35 in July, entered the fray and immediately changed the complexion of the game. Despite a career already decorated with 13 league titles, eight Scottish Cups, and five League Cups—totaling 26 major winners' medals—he played with the hunger of a man chasing his first.
"He was the spark. He lifted them all and helped carry them through a day that was brutally tough for a long time and then unimaginably easy for the rest of it."
The pivotal moment came with Celtic's third goal. Forrest showcased his trademark energy and precision, driving to the byline before delivering a perfectly weighted cross for Kelechi Iheanacho to head home. That goal broke St Mirren's resolve and opened the floodgates; three more goals followed in the next three minutes. Forrest was also instrumental in the fourth goal, with Luke McCowan finishing the move to put the result beyond doubt.
Forrest's performance was a testament to his longevity and value. In recent seasons, he has often been a bit-part player, starting just seven games this campaign and 11 the previous one. A combination of injuries and the arrival of high-profile, expensive wingers has limited his minutes. Yet, as names like Sebastian Tounekti, Michel-Ange Balikwisha, and others have come and gone, Forrest has remained the constant—the great survivor and enduring influencer for Celtic.
His aggressive play and verve lifted a team that had lapsed into timidity, proving that even in the twilight of his career, his impact is as significant as ever.
The victory sets up a thrilling Scottish Cup final that adds another plot twist to a season full of them: Martin O'Neill will face Neil Lennon, promising a captivating conclusion to the campaign.