Celtic

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Martin O'Neill suggests Celtic should extend James Forrest's stay after the 34-year-old winger set up a crucial goal in Sunday's Scottish Cup semi-final win over St Mirren.

Forrest crossed for fellow substitute Kelechi Iheanacho to put Celtic 3-2 up in extra time, with O'Neill's side adding three more goals in quick succession.

Academy graduate Forrest scored on his Celtic debut in 2010 and has made more than 550 club appearances, as well as featuring 39 times for Scotland.

"I would like to keep James for one more year at least and so that he could see his career through at the football club," said O'Neill, who was given charge of Celtic for the rest of the season in January.

"I would be asking the board and I think James would stay for another year.

"He's 34, with just a little burst he's given us something.

"He has changed a number of games for us. He changed the game at Aberdeen. [Benjamin] Nygren scores the goal, but he came on and changed that.

"We scored from him getting the cross at Rangers as well. So, he's definitely played a part."

And O'Neill was slightly mischievous when asked if Forrest, who won his last Scotland cap two years ago, should be in contention for a World Cup spot.

"I used to hate this when other managers were telling me how to run the football club or run international football," said the former Republic of Ireland head coach.

"So, I do not want to have a headline – but why not? Put him in."

Samuel Ukah
BBC Scotland

Anthony Ralston believes Celtic "deserve the plaudits" after overcoming St Mirren to reach the Scottish Cup final.

Ralston scored Celtic's second in their 6-2 semi-final win, the tie settled by four goals by Martin O'Neill's side in extra time.

St Mirren had rallied from two down to force the additional 30 minutes at Hampden.

Celtic's attention will now turn to the defence of their Scottish Premiership title, with their five post-split fixtures to come before they return to the national stadium to face Dunfermline Athletic in the cup final.

"You can get caught up in the negativity of things and, you know, outside noise, but for us boys, we're a hard-working group, we're all very level headed in that sense," said Scotland right-back Ralston, 27, after scoring his first goal of the season.

"And we take the criticism but we also deserve the plaudits as well, when we go and get a job done like we've done today.

"That should really kick us on now until the end of the season."

Ralston was set up by Yang Hyun-Jun and smacked a shot in off the crossbar shortly before half-time.

"I don't get to do it often" he said.

"Yang laid it off and made my decision for me and I just decided to have a strike.

"I'm delighted and I'm sure my family will have a great time watching it."

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Celtic interim manager Martin O'Neill: "Naturally I'm delighted. We almost had the game won but St Mirren were never out of proceedings. They showed a lot of quality themselves, and got the equaliser.

"It was a matter of trying to win again. We've come up big in the first period of extra time. Four goals in six or seven minutes and it was really great for us.

"James Forrest coming on, Iheanacho scoring, was a major turning point in the game. For us to score so quickly was a real blow to them and a major boost for us.

"We took the chances. St Mirren were forced to leave a few gaps, but it doesn't matter - we took the goals brilliantly and it was a joy.

"There was a period in the second half where we surrendered the initiative. It was in the balance. I would take winning the game all day long, but we had to wait a while for it.

"I never felt St Mirren were out of the game. They'd have taken confidence from the League Cup. There were parts of the game where we didn't do very well, there were parts where we were splendid.

"There's a great spirit in this team. They've come up big today, shown a willingness, exemplified by Maeda. I couldn't be more pleased with the team, considering they could have crumbled.

"[Neil] was fantastic for me for Leicester and Celtic. His record in management is terrific, and what a job he's doing at Dunfermline. But there'll be no old pals act this time though."

Celtic will face Dunfermline Athletic in next month's Scottish Cup final after a thrilling, eight-goal epic at Hampden was eventually settled by a sensational spell in extra time.

Read the full match report here.

Let us know your thoughts here.

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Celtic will have to offer Roberto Martinez a sizeable contract to make him their new manager if he wishes to return to club management after the World Cup (Football Insider)., external

Former Celtic forward Frank McAvennie says the club needs to find an aggressive midfielder to help out Callum McGregor (Daily Record)., external

Liam McLeod
BBC Sport Scotland Commentator

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• This is the third time in four seasons Celtic and St Mirren have met in the Scottish Cup. Celtic have won the past four meetings between the clubs in this competition.

• St Mirren's last Scottish Cup win over Celtic was in the 2009 quarter-finals when Billy Mehmet's penalty gave them a 1-0 win in Paisley.

• This weekend is the Buddies' first Scottish Cup semi-final meeting since 1984, when Celtic won 2-1 before going on to lose to Aberdeen in the final.

• St Mirren's 3-1 victory over Celtic in the League Cup final this season was one of only three wins for the Paisley side in the past 36 meetings across all competitions.

• Celtic, who have contested 61 of the 139 Scottish Cup finals, are aiming to win the trophy for the 43rd time, which would be nine more than the next best, Rangers.

• Before last season's defeat by Aberdeen, Celtic had won 11 successive Scottish Cup final appearances since Rangers beat them in the 2002 showpiece.

• Martin O'Neill won the Scottish Cup three times - 2001, 2004 and 2005 - in his five-year spell as Celtic manager. His last game in that tenure was the 2005 final over Dundee United in 2005, when Alan Thompson scored the only goal – it came the week after 'Helicopter Sunday', when they were beaten 2-1 late on by Motherwell to cost them the title on the final day.

• St Mirren are attempting to reach a seventh Scottish Cup final and are three-time winners, most recently in 1987, when Ian Ferguson's goal beat Dundee United 1-0 in extra time – it was the last time in a Scottish Cup final when all the players and both managers were Scottish.

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Auston Trusty says the adversity Celtic have faced this season has allowed them to "become a much better team" and feels they are bouncing back from a tricky spell.

So far this season, Celtic have failed to make the Champions League, had three different managers, lost the League Cup final to St Mirren and are at risk of losing their grip on the Scottish league crown.

Despite all that, a domestic double is still on the cards and the chance to contest another major final comes on Sunday as they face St Mirren again in the Scottish Cup semi-final.

"Trophies are what this club is about," centre-back Trusty said.

"It's what we strive to do every time we step foot on the pitch. There's a chance to win another trophy for this organisation. That means everything to us.

"The identity of Celtic is to play in high-pressure situations and lift trophies.

"It was an unfortunate result [in the League Cup final], but this is a new game, a new competition and we are a better team at this point in time.

"We had a tough spell, but we bounced back. Celtic historically doesn't have too many lows, but it's inevitable you have some tough spells.

"There's highs and lows, but through the lows, you become a lot closer and a lot more of a unit. I try to look at the positives of it all."

Celtic captain Callum McGregor should be at the forefront of the club's summer rebuild despite criticism of the 32-year-old midfielder's recent performances and speculation over his future, according to interim manager Martin O'Neill. (The Scotsman), external

Former Celtic left-back Matthew Anderson still dreams of a return to the Glasgow club after helping Kortrijk win promotion to Belgium's Jupiler Pro League. (The Herald), external

Celtic centre-back Hayden Borland has signed a new contract, keeping him at the club until 2029, despite the 18-year-old reportedly attracting interest from clubs in England. (The Herald), external

Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Celtic manager Martin O'Neill joked he would like to put Neil Lennon "in his place" should Celtic and Dunfermline meet in the Scottish Cup final.

Dunfermline, led by ex-Celtic boss Lennon, face Falkirk in Saturday's Hampden showdown before O'Neill's side meet St Mirren in a repeat of December's League Cup final on Sunday.

During his first spell in charge O'Neill signed Lennon from his former club Leicester City in December 2000 and the midfielder went on to make almost 300 appearances for the Glasgow outfit.

Lennon's second-tier Pars are still in with a chance of securing a Premiership play-off this season and have already seen off Hibs and Aberdeen in their route to the Scottish Cup semi-final.

O'Neill said: "Oh, I would love it. I would really love it. I'd like to put him in his place.

"Please, scrub that. Because it's not ideally true. I've got the utmost regard for him. He's been brilliant.

"The two managers [Lennon and Falkirk's John McGlynn] have done brilliantly. Really brilliantly. And Neil, who's obviously a big part of my managerial life anyway, has done great. It's no surprise to me.

"I think he's a top-class manager. His record, both as a player and as a manager himself, is quite extraordinary. Really, it's extraordinary. I know the tough times during Covid and things like this here, but overall, his record is fantastic.

"I have the utmost regard for him, it's been brilliant. And I think I've said before, had I not signed him from Leicester, I might not be sitting here with you, but I'd say he's been brilliant."

Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland

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Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has been speaking to the media as his side prepare for Sunday's Scottish Cup semi-final against St Mirren.

Here are the main points:

• The game comes "too early" for Alistair Johnston, albeit the defender has trained this week and is showing "no ill effect". O'Neill admits had Johnston not suffered a setback on Canada duty "he would have been ready for now".

• Striker Callum Osmand is also "making progress" but won't be ready this weekend.

• On returning to Hampden, O'Neill says: "I thought the last time I was there [League Cup semi-final win over Rangers in November] would have been the last time," but adds he is "really looking forward" to Sunday's game.

• The Northern Irishman knows St Mirren "will take great confidence from the fact they won recently and played very well last week against us", adding "the last time we played each other at Hampden, they won the cup".

• O'Neill is "absolutely not" dreaming of winning the Scottish Cup, saying: "I don't think we are good enough to dream that far down the line."

• The boss suggests a semi-final victory "definitely would have a positive effect" on their league campaign, with Celtic trailing leaders Hearts by three points with five games to go.

• The 74-year-old hopes his players feel they have a score to settle after losing the League Cup final to St Mirren in December during Wilfried Nancy's reign. "There's this chance now to try and do something about it," he adds.

• With Liam Scales suspended on Sunday, O'Neill insists he has "lots of confidence" in back-up defenders Benjamin Arthur and Dane Murray.

• On this weekend's other semi-final, Dunfermline v Falkirk, O'Neill praises former Celtic boss Neil Lennon, saying he is "a top-class manager" and "I have the utmost regard for him".

Fourth round: Auchinleck Talbot 0-2 Celtic (18 Jan)

Last year's runners-up Celtic made hard work of avoiding a historic Scottish Cup upset, with a late Sebastian Tounekti strike finally putting the tie beyond sixth-tier Auchlinleck.

Johnny Kenny gave Martin O'Neill's men the lead after half an hour but they were far from convincing in booking a last-16 spot.

Fifth round: Celtic 2-1 Dundee (7 Feb)

Celtic looked to be heading for the exit following Ethan Hamilton's outstanding strike early in the second half.

But debutant Junior Adamu forced extra time with a backheel finish from fellow substitute Tounekti's low cross in the seventh minute of stoppage time.

Tounekti completed the comeback to set up a derby trip to Ibrox.

Quarter-finals: Rangers 0-0 Celtic (aet, Celtic win 4-2 pens) (8 March)

In a combustible tie marred by pitch invasions from both sets of fans, Celtic showed grit to prevail on penalties after mustering just one shot in 120 minutes compared to 24 for Rangers.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Auston Trusty and Reo Hatate all scored in the shootout as James Tavernier and Djeidi Gassama missed for Rangers.

That gave Tomas Cvancara the chance to send Celtic through - and the Czech calmly sent Jack Butland the wrong way to book Celtic's Hampden semi-final against their League Cup conquerors St Mirren.

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We asked for your views on who has been Celtic's player of the year.

Here's what some of you said:

Liam: It is hard to make a case for anyone. Benjamin Nygren is our top goalscorer but his general play is woeful. So many key players in previous seasons have been long-term injuries. Kieran Tierney has driven us on in games but surely hasn't done enough for this accolade. Yang Hyun-Jun? He has turned up when it got tough but flatters to deceive. Liam Scales did well until Christmas but makes a mistake every game.

Graeme: On the stats it has to be KT, on goals Nygren, not a lot else to say on bright spots in this season.

Shaun: None deserve it because they have all been poor. I suppose if I had to go for one player it would be Nygren simply because he has scored so many important goals.

Charlie: In a poorly performing Celtic team with all the background distractions regarding the board's dreadful recruitment and communication, Nygren has stood out. He would be even better in a properly functioning Celtic side.

Christopher: Yang has been industrious and pretty tireless, the outcomes haven't been consistent but he has come up with some important goals and assists. In a grind of a season, it seems fitting a player all but written off has refused to give up in ways so many of his more celebrated team-mates seem to have.

James: For me it's got to be the captain Callum McGregor. He has been a tower of strength for the Celtic team, has always led by example and been very professional over the season so far. Gives his all to the club and always plays when fit. He makes the team tick with his passing and steering the team to victory.

Paul: After a tough year for Celtic I feel Nygren has been about the most consistent in his play without being outstanding. His assists and goals have been vital to our position in the league and for that reason I feel he deserves a Celtic player of the year award.

Aiden McGeady would love to return to Celtic and work with the next wave of talent coming through the club's academy. (Daily Record), external

It's hard to believe the chain of events set off by Brendan Rodgers' resignation earlier this season.

Wilfried Nancy's ill-fated short tenure, the return of Martin O'Neill twice as caretaker, an unprecedented injury record and somehow Celtic are still clinging on in the title race.

They are three points off the top with five league games to go, including home games against both Rangers and Hearts above them. They have also still got a Scottish Cup semi-final to look forward to this weekend. But have any players stood out?

Who has been your Celtic player of the year? Have your say.

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Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton says his former club should already know the type of manager they want to appoint for next season before a summer revamp.

The Parkhead side have twice called on Martin O'Neill to take interim charge this season after Brendan Rodgers' resignation and Wilfried Nancy's sacking.

They have flattered to deceive for large periods of the campaign, but are still in the Scottish Premiership title race and have made it to the Scottish Cup semi-finals under O'Neill's astute management.

"If you're from a Celtic persuasion, you hope the groundwork has been done and they've already got a manager in mind for next season," Sutton told BBC Scotland.

"I have spoken about the Motherwell manager - Jens Berthel Askou - as a decent fit, but the one thing that goes against him is his profile.

"It's not just who Celtic get as the next manager, there's going to be a big overhaul of players in the summer.

"The squad has struggled this season - regardless of what happens in the league and in the Scottish Cup - and I think we're going to see a lot of changes."

BBC Sport Scotland reporter Kheredine Idessane has been answering some of your questions on Celtic.

Kevin asked: Did the Wilfred Nancy experiment cost Celtic the title this season?

Kheredine answered: Yes it potentially did, Kevin.

Oh, you want me to expand on that?

Well, before some of your fellow supporters splutter over their tea let's get the obvious caveat out of the way. Celtic may yet win the league which would keep them champions despite the calamity of the club's shortest ever managerial reign.

Let's assume for the purposes of argument, however, that either Hearts or Rangers win the title. The question would then be: how much damage was done to Celtic's title defence by Nancy's decision to rip things up and start again straight away rather than to try to manage gradual culture change? The answer to that is plenty.

I remember the Frenchman's first match in charge. Hearts were wobbling at the time, having only won one of their previous six matches by the time they pitched up to Glasgow's east end for their second match with Celtic.

They had already dismantled Brendan Rodgers' side at Tynecastle at the end of October in what turned out to be the Northern Irishman's final match in charge.

Daizen Maeda missed an absolute sitter in the first few minutes of Nancy's home bow which set the trend for what was to follow. Some nice football, chances spurned and a complete inability to defend properly.

The league leaders won 2-1 to restore their mojo and dent the Nancy debut, and he never really recovered from that.

He was in charge for six league matches. He lost four of them, beating only Livingston and Aberdeen. The 12 dropped points, if you added them to Celtic's current tally, would have the Parkhead side on the brink of claiming five in a row.

The folly of the Nancy gamble was that interim boss Martin O'Neill had just put together a run of five straight Premiership wins following Rodgers' resignation.

The introduction of the former Columbus Crew head coach took a wrecking ball to that momentum, with his tenure also featuring a home humbling from Roma in the Europa League and a League Cup final defeat by St Mirren.

That Martin O'Neill still has Celtic in title contention is an achievement in itself. His only top flight defeats have come at the hands of Hibs and Dundee United. Realistically, he can't afford any more defeats if he is to pull off mission impossible.

He rescued Celtic's season once. If he does it twice, the freedom of Parkhead should be his, if it isn't already.

WhileCeltic are considering a move for former Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Mathew Ryan, Levante hold the option to extend the 34-year-old's deal by a further year beyond this summer. (Football Insider), external

Hibs head coach David Gray is not surprised to see Miguel Chaiwa attracting interest from rival clubs, including repeated speculation linking the 21-year-old midfielder with a move to Celtic. (Edinburgh Evening News), external

Viljami Sinisalo says an agreement to have more Celticgame time this season was shelved during management changes this season - until the injury and form decline to fellow goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel pushed the 24-year-old into the first team. (The Herald), external

Former Celtic coach Darren O'Dea says Bournemouth and Scotland winger Ben Gannon-Doak felt he was being held back by the Scottish champions' "duty of care" despite being handed his first-team debut at 16 - and that the 20-year-old is a "generational talent". (The Margins), external

Read Thursday's Scottish Gossip in full.