Peter Grant says impressive Celtic performer should’ve started vs Aberdeen last weekend

Celtic are still locked in their quest for a domestic double after defeating Aberdeen on penalties to reach the Scottish Cup final.

Despite a spirited display from Peter Leven’s outfit, the Bhoys showed composure to convert six of their seven spot kicks under immense pressure at Hampden.

Only Joe Hart missed from 12 yards before saving from Killian Phillips to maintain Brendan Rodgers’ perfect record in the competition, extending his run to 16 consecutive victories.

Nevertheless, veteran winger James Forrest also deserves credit for his contribution last weekend, as he came off the bench to score the Hoops’ second goal within a minute of being on the pitch.

Moreover, the Scotland international had a hand in Matt O’Riley’s strike in extra time to put Celtic 3-2 in front, though he was withdrawn on 119 minutes for Maik Nawrocki in the lead-up to Angus MacDonald’s late equaliser.

Post-match, Rodgers lauded Forrest’s ‘absolutely brilliant’ contribution at the national stadium, claiming the 32-year-old changed the dynamic of proceedings for his side.

He stated: “He was absolutely brilliant; he changed the Game for us. It was just his composure and his quality. We started to keep the ball in the final third, he got the goal. He’s just a big-Game player with big-Game experience.”

Peter Grant thought James Forrest could’ve started vs Aberdeen

Undoubtedly, Forrest offered an out ball for Celtic against Aberdeen, always providing an option for a pass and showing willingness to commit defenders regularly.

The 32-year-old hasn’t completed 90 minutes so far this term; however, there may well be a case for him to start this Sunday away to Dundee following another impressive cameo appearance.

Former Celtic midfielder Peter Grant had a suspicion that he may even start the Game in light of Hyunjun Yang and Luis Palma’s inconsistent performance on the flank; nevertheless, he was delighted with his overall contribution.

He stated [Go Radio Football Show]: “I said last week I thought he’d maybe start in the game because it’s a position I didn’t think, and Yang had done enough with their performances when they were on the pitch in the last few weeks when they’ve had that small period of time.

“James had come on and affected the games when he came on, so when he didn’t start, you thought ‘, Okay, no problem’ The manager sees him every day; there’s no issue with that.

“When he came on the pitch, he made a similar run prior to scoring. I’m still interested in why the Aberdeen player drew his leg out of the road after James’s shot. I was quite surprised at that.

“You don’t leave it for your goalkeeper, that’s for sure, but, as I said, I was delighted when that ball hit the back of the net. You think, ‘there we go, fantastic,’ and it was probably ideal that James gets that opportunity to get the winner, but Aberdeen the full game caused us problems.”

James Forrest can still play an important role for Celtic

Granted, Forrest doesn’t have the stamina he once possessed; regardless, he may be an important player for Celtic in the short term, especially factoring in Daizen Maeda’s recent injury struggles.

Experience will be key as Celtic look to pursue a domestic double, while Rodgers is also likely to rotate his squad to avoid experiencing any bouts of fatigue.

Whether he is a starter or a squad player, the 32-year-old still has a part to play in helping the Bhoys over the line this campaign.

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