Martin O’Neill is keeping a close eye on fitness as Celtic head into the final stretch of the season.
Injuries have been a constant issue, and there will be no return for Cameron Carter-Vickers or Jota before the campaign wraps up. There is at least some light, with Alistair Johnston and Callum Osmand edging closer to involvement.
That context shapes every decision, especially around James Forrest.
The winger came off the bench in Sunday’s Scottish Cup semi-final win and shifted the tempo straight away. Celtic had been flat in wide areas, but Forrest’s movement and awareness gave them something different.
He made it count too, setting up the decisive moment in extra time.
It has led to calls for him to start this weekend against Falkirk, the first game after the split.
O’Neill understands the argument, but he is not rushing into it. The manager is weighing the impact Forrest can make against the risk of pushing him too far. He said (TCW):
“James has made a big, big impact in coming on in games, and that is difficult. Sometimes you don’t even get to the pace of the game until the game’s too late, but he has made big inroads in matches recently.
“Even at 34 years of age, he retains that little bit of zip. Now, James is, I suppose, crying out to start matches, but I would be naturally a bit concerned; he’s had a couple of hamstring problems in the past.
“It’s not just that I’ve immediately dismissed that.
“Of course, it’s in my mind lots and lots of times about starting him in games and then thinking maybe he won’t last.”
That balance is clear. Forrest is contributing, but managing his minutes looks key.
He has barely started in the league this season, his last Premiership start coming against Falkirk back in October. Since then, he has been used sparingly, often from the bench.
Sunday showed he still has a role.
Experience matters at this stage, and Forrest brings that in a squad that has had to adapt throughout the season. He reads situations quickly and offers a directness that has been missing at times.
With Celtic still searching for consistency in attack, there is a case for him to be used more often, even if it is not from the first whistle every week.
O’Neill has another decision to make further forward.
Kelechi Iheanacho has shown flashes of real quality and looks the most natural striker at the club. His movement and link-up play stand out, but fitness remains a concern.
It would be a stretch to rely on him heavily across the remaining fixtures, yet his recent contributions have given the coaching staff something to think about.
Major changes are unlikely this late in the season.
Still, both Forrest and Iheanacho have put themselves firmly in the frame. As Celtic push towards the finish line, O’Neill will need to pick his moments carefully.
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