James Forrest on his Celtic future as MON backs new deal

Martin O’Neill praised James Forrest for his significant contribution from the bench in Celtic’s astonishing 6-2 win over St Mirren in yesterday’s Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden…

That victory sets Celtic up for the final against Neil Lennon’s Dunfermline Athletic at the National stadium on Saturday 23 May.

The Celtic manager is clearly a big admirer of the ever-green Celtic winger whose current contract ends this summer. Forrest had made it clear that he has no wish to play football elsewhere so either he gets offered a new deal to remain at the club or he hangs up his boots.

“I would like to keep James for one more year at least, so that he can see his career through at the football club,” Martin O’Neill said after the match.

“I would be asking the board, I’m sure, to do it. I think James would stay for another year. He’s 34, isn’t he? 34. Just the little bursts, the one versus ones. He has changed a number of games for us. He changed the game at Aberdeen. I know Nygren scores the goal, but he came on and changed that.

“We scored from him getting the cross at Rangers as well. He’s definitely played a part. Neil Lennon was telling me, which I’ve known for two or three months, that he really is a proper lad,” Martin O’Neill added.

James Forrest briefly spoke about his own future in the media room at Hampden but didn’t want to take attention away from the remaining six matches of the season, five in the Scottish Premiership with a title still to be won and then the season finale against Dunfermline in the Cup Final.

On his own contract situation, Jamesy made it clear what his own wishes are and that’s to remain at Celtic.

James Forrest during Celtic’s 6-2 Scottish Cup semi-final win over St Mirren at Hampden on Sunday 19 April 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou

“I’ve spoken to the club a couple of times, but the main thing I think I’ve always said is I’ve been here my full career, and I don’t want to play anywhere else,” Jamesy said.

“I think the main thing now is helping the team hopefully win the league. We’re in the cup final as well. I’ve made it clear that the main thing is about contributing for the team and then my situation will sort itself out.”

Asked about Martin O’Neill’s view that he should be offered a new deal, Forrest confirmed that he’s well aware of the legendary Celtic figure’s view.

Martin O’Neill during Celtic’s 6-2 Scottish Cup semi-final win over St Mirren at Hampden on Sunday 19 April 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou

“I know he’s spoken to me a couple of times in the last couple of months, but I’ve just said I don’t want to go anywhere else. But the main thing is that everyone works together and we try and get trophies before the end of the season. As I said, that will take care of itself.

“I don’t want to be anywhere else so that the club know that. That will definitely get sorted. I’m just going to focus on the games,” Forrest said.

On the match-up between Martin O’Neill and his first manager at Celtic, Neil Lennon, Jamesy finds that one to be as intriguing as the rest of us.

Neil Lennon jokes with Martin O'Neill after Celtic's 6-2 Scottish Cup semi-final win against St Miren at Hampden.

Neil Lennon jokes with Martin O’Neill after Celtic’s 6-2 Scottish Cup semi-final win over St Mirren at Hampden on Sunday 19 April 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou

“It’s unbelievable. Obviously, Lennon gave me my debut. I had him in reserves and had a real good couple of years with him and I still stay in touch with him on that as well.

“A few of the staff and that have watched a lot of the [Dunfermline] games this season and think they’ve done really well. And obviously, they’re looking to get promoted. It’ll be a tough game, but as I said, we’ll focus on that game once we get to it.”

On Martin O’Neill himself James Forrest is just as grateful as any other Celtic supporter for the job that the manager has done this season during two interim spells where he has got us to both cup finals, made it through the Europa League group stages and has us still in contention to retain the title despite everything that has gone on in other stages of the season.

“Everyone at the club knows how much of a legend he is, and it’s been really good working under him,” James Forrest said.

🗣️ “I don’t want to play anywhere else.”

James Forrest on contract talks with Celtic and his desire to stay at the club after a strong impact off the bench at Hampden on Sunday.

➡️ https://t.co/WPCilfsnxI pic.twitter.com/EjsDteLL1E

— The Celtic Way (@celticway1888) April 20, 2026