Heading into the post-split fixtures, Celtic need some players to step up to the plate and make an impact. Throughout the course of the season, it has felt like the Hoops are just going through the motions.

Even when they have won, they have been by narrow margins. The 6-2 win over St Mirren in the Scottish Cup semi-final was the first time in months that they won convincingly in terms of scoreline. Of course, considering the match went to extra-time, it would be unfair to call it anything but a tight contest.

In the league, five of Celtic's last six wins have come by just a goal. Of course, the three points are what matter the most at this point in the season. Even then, the fans would feel a lot more confident if they saw a few more convincing displays from the Hoops.

One player who played a key part in the aforementioned 6-2 win against St Mirren was James Forrest. He came off the bench to assist Kelechi Iheanacho's first goal, which put Celtic ahead in extra-time.

With the lack of quality options on the wings for Celtic, many fans have questioned why Forrest does not get more starting opportunities.

In the league this season, Forrest has just two games. That is far from ideal. Will those opportunities increase on the back of his recent performance vs St Mirren?

Well, it sounds like Martin O'Neill is not exactly convinced that Forrest has the fitness to be starting games consistently.

According to The Celtic Way, O'Neill said about Forrest: "James has made a big, big impact in coming on in games, and that is difficult. Sometimes you don’t even get to the pace of the game until the game’s too late, but he has made big inroads in matches recently.

"Even at 34 years of age, he retains that little bit of zip. Now, James is, I suppose, crying out to start matches, but I would be naturally a bit concerned; he’s had a couple of hamstring problems in the past."

O'Neill further added on the matter: "Of course, it’s in my mind lots and lots of times about starting him in games and then thinking maybe he won’t last."

It remains to be seen if Forrest will see an increased playing time in the final few games of the season. He was recently handed an extension by the club, as he will be staying on at Parkhead for another year.

That is understandable, considering how thin they are on the flanks. Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Joel Mvuka have barely made an impact since their respective moves to Parkhead. On the other hand, Sebastian Tounekti's importance has decreased over the course of the campaign as well.

Somehow, it looks like Forrest has steadily climbed up the pecking order over the course of the season. And with the Hoops needing to make a push to win this title race, could they look towards one of their veteran players, who has seen-it-all and done-it-all several times already in Scottish football?

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