Brendan Rodgers has dropped a major starting XI hint for Saturday’s Scottish Cup Final against Aberdeen. The Irishman spoke about Forrest’s performance against St Mirren last weekend, where the winger came off the bench and scored. The goal meant Forrest has now scored in 16 straight seasons for Celtic—an incredible record that shows his long-term value to the team.
But it wasn’t just the goal that impressed Rodgers. Speaking after the 1-1 draw, he praised Forrest’s attitude, movement and how he helped the team. The Celtic boss highlighted how Forrest played well on both wings and explained why that could be important for the final.
He said: (Celtic FC), “There’s no doubt, and the interesting thing about the game at the weekend was that everyone else probably wanted him to score more than he did himself. He was actually doing the job for the team—on the right side, he was setting everyone else up.
“I moved him to the left to try and get him to come inside and shoot, but that option was blocked off, so I moved him back to the right again.
“But I think wherever I play him—right side or left side—he’s an outstanding player. And yeah, whatever role he plays, whether he starts or comes off the bench, he’s got a lot of quality that can affect games, especially big games.”
Forrest’s long record of turning up in big games could be the difference against Aberdeen. He’s won every domestic trophy multiple times and knows what it takes to get over the line. While younger players offer energy and fresh legs, Forrest brings calm and proven quality.
If he starts on Saturday, it would be a huge moment in what’s already a historic Celtic career. The winger may not start every week now, but when called upon, he rarely lets the team down. Rodgers’ praise this week was no accident—it sounds like Forrest is in strong contention for the starting XI.
With the final just days away, all eyes will be on the team sheet at Hampden. But based on Rodgers’ comments, don’t be surprised if Forrest is out there from the first whistle, ready to add another chapter to his Celtic career.
