Opinion: Celtic star turned back the clock in Hoops cameo

Celtic’s 4-1 win over Hearts on Saturday was a fine display by the Bhoys. The Hoops started the game slowly falling a goal behind, but Ange Postecoglou’s side gradually got into the game and deservedly ran out comfortable winners.

One notable cameo in the game came from James Forrest, who replaced Jota in the 81st minute. Forrest has not really featured for the Hoops that much this season, due to injury and the form of Jota and Liel Abada.

The winger rolled back the years in his 10 minutes on the pitch, with good fine attacking play and an assist for Giorgos Giakoumakis’ goal. That assist was Forrest’s 98th for the club, and hopefully he will reach the 100 assist mark for the Hoops sooner rather than later.

Forrest’s cameo might hint at his future role at Celtic, which is being an impact player off the bench. Forrest could have an influence on the Celtic side even if he only plays for around 20 minutes in a match, as he has so much experience and has won so many trophies for the Bhoys.

Ange Postecoglou must value Forrest as a player, and little wonder when you consider how successful his 10 plus seasons at Celtic have been. It was interesting when Celtic played Livingston a few months ago that Forrest made a rare start for the Hoops, and he scored in a vital 3-1 win.

That was one of Celtic’ most difficult away games of the season, and Postecoglou must have felt that Forrest could have a big impact on the game, and he certainly did, as his goal all but clinched the win for the Hoops.

Forrest’s Celtic contract expires at the end of the 2022/23 season, and it will be interesting to see if he gets offered a new deal next season. That could depend on how much football he plays, and if he is satisfied with perhaps starting