James Forrest has spoken out after impressing in the semi-final of the Scottish Cup, addressing the fact that he is out of contract at the end of the season.
There have been calls for the Hoops legend to start in the split, with some people seeing him as a viable option. There is plenty of debate over if he's earned the spot, but when he has come on throughout the campaign, he has often been solid in attack.
As things stand though, there is no new deal on the table for the winger. He has spent 17 years at the club and has now revealed that he would like to end his career here.
Speaking to Clyde 1 Superscoreboard on Sunday, he said: "I spoke to the club a couple of times, but the main thing I’ve always said is I’ve been here my full career and I don’t want to play anywhere else.
"The main thing now is helping the team hopefully win the league, and we’re in the cup final as well.
"So I’ve made it clear that the main thing is about contributing for the team and then my situation will sort itself out.
"[Martin O’Neill has] spoken to me a couple of times in the last couple of months.
"I just want to be here. But the main thing is that everyone works together and we try and get trophies before the end of the season, and then that will take care of itself.
"I don’t want to be anywhere else, so the club know that. So that will definitely get sorted out whenever. I’m just going to focus on the games just now."
O'Neill is also keen on keeping him at the club, but admits that it won't be his decision, with him stepping down as manager in the summer.
Speaking after the victory over St Mirren, he said: "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.
"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."
Forrest approaching the end of his career
After a brilliant career in Glasgow, time is almost up for Forrest. Most supporters agree that he will likely retire in the next year or two, and hopefully, it will be at Celtic.
There is a lot of discussion over his contract, with the sentiment that players shouldn't be offered a new contract just because they are a club legend. That isn't the case for Forrest, despite some arguing otherwise.
He is still a solid option, even though he is older, and when he comes in, he brings something that we haven't had for most of this season. The winger can't handle all 90 minutes anymore, but his cameo appearances have been really promising.
Some fans point to his goals and assists as to why he should be let go, but statistics don't tell the full story. His impact on the pitch and how he gets involved with the play can often result in goals, even if he isn't the one scoring them or getting the assist.
Only time will tell what will happen but O'Neill has stated his case, as has the player. Let's hope that Celtic decide to make the correct decision.
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