Is Celtic star the reason behind the improved performances?

The 6-0 win over Livingston saw a fresh spark help re-energize the Celtic squad ahead of the upcoming league and Scottish Cup matches. While wins are still a must, the league is over but the Cup remains very much a target.

The team have blown hot and cold throughout the season and not really hit any consistency over a run of games. To retain the Scottish Cup for a historic fifth time in a row, they will need to improve their performances. Saturday’s 6-0 win was an encouraging step in the right direction. Though James Forrest being forced off the pitch is worrying to say the least.

The return of Forrest has helped enormously and provided the spark that’s been needed for a while. His goals, assists and all round play have been sorely missed as he has spent the majority of the season on the sidelines through a long-term injury.

The ankle injury sustained last September in the UEFA Europa League qualifier against Riga FC had not looked very serious at first but it is only now that he had finally started to return to form and fitness. Thus, the new injury, sustained against Livingston, will be a huge blow.

Forrest suffering another injury will be a huge blow for Celtic

As reported by the club’s official website, speaking before the Livingston game, Forrest looked back upon his injury and eventual return:

"“I’ve always said it, especially over the last four or five years, I never take my time on the pitch for granted. This injury was the worst I’ve ever had at Celtic, and it shows you that every minute on the pitch for Celtic is special and I’m just buzzing to be able to play every game that I can.“An injury like this reminds you how much of a privilege it is to play for Celtic, and makes you want to seize the opportunity whenever you get the chance.”"

More from Celtic FC News

• Celtic handed fresh injury doubt before Feyenoord game
• Celtic’s £40.7 million announcement should scare Rangers
• Brendan Rodgers makes superb claim about returning Celtic player
• BBC pundit makes sensational claim about Celtic hero Kyogo
• Kyogo Furuhashi sends clear message to Celtic doubters

Saturday’s home match against Livingston gave Forrest the chance to find some form. And he did by scoring the opening goal of the game.

But while his added pace and trickery helped bring others into play, it was a worry to see him being forced off the pitch after 57 minutes. Let’s hope that it was nothing serious and he is back on the pitch as soon as possible. Post match, John Kennedy indicated that it was a precautionary change, which is cause for encouragement.

Forrest’s experience and quality could play a big role if the Hoops are to go on and win the Scottish Cup for a historic fifth straight time. For that to happen, they must defeat the Rangers who they face in the next round of the competition.