Forrest 'would stay for another year' - O'Neill
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.