James Forrest and Paulo Bernardo’s returns to action in Celtic’s 3-0 win over Hearts were highly significant, not just for the players themselves but for the team as a whole. These returns are a testament to the depth of Brendan Rodgers’ squad and the importance of having a well-rounded, versatile team as Celtic heads into the most crucial period of the season. Forrest, in particular, has been part of the Celtic fabric for over 16 years, and his absence due to injury had been felt throughout the campaign. To see him back on the pitch, even in a cameo role, was a relief not just for him, but for the fans and Rodgers as well. Forrest has consistently been a player who delivers in crucial moments, particularly towards the end of the season when the pressure mounts. His knack for scoring vital goals and making decisive contributions was evident last year when he stepped up in the latter stages of the season, playing a pivotal role in securing the league and cup double.

For Forrest, the journey back from injury was understandably frustrating. After featuring in the Premier Sports Cup final against Rangers in December, he had been sidelined for a long period. It’s always difficult for a player of Forrest’s caliber to watch from the sidelines, but his resilience and experience will prove invaluable in the coming weeks. Rodgers mentioned how the squad’s strength this season has been key in navigating the busy schedule, and Forrest’s return adds another layer of depth that could be crucial as Celtic fights for the domestic treble. There’s always a sense of calm and confidence when Forrest is on the pitch, and his ability to make things happen, especially in big matches, means he could be relied upon to step up when needed most. The fact that he’s now back in the fold, potentially ready for more minutes in upcoming games, is a massive boost as Celtic approaches important fixtures, including the all-important trip to Ibrox.

Paulo Bernardo’s situation is a bit different, but no less impactful. After initially impressing upon his arrival at Celtic, Bernardo’s season has been marred by injuries, which have disrupted his rhythm. His last appearance came back in February in the Scottish Cup win over Raith Rovers, and while his return may not have been as high-profile as Forrest’s, it’s equally significant. Bernardo had begun to show his potential, particularly during the middle part of the season when he earned a place in the starting XI with his strong performances. His ability to dictate play, break forward, and contribute to goals made him a valuable asset for Rodgers’ midfield. Much like Forrest, Bernardo has been a player who rises to the occasion, and his role in last season’s Scottish Cup final, where he assisted off the bench and played a crucial part in Adam Idah’s winner, is a reminder of his ability to impact big games.

Rodgers himself acknowledged how valuable these two players are to the squad, emphasizing that their returns are not just about adding bodies to the bench, but about adding quality and experience. Both Forrest and Bernardo have shown in the past that they can deliver in high-pressure situations, and that is exactly what Celtic will need in the run-in to the end of the season. There’s still a lot to play for, with the league title hanging in the balance and the domestic treble very much within reach. Having experienced players like Forrest, who knows the weight of playing in a Celtic jersey and the demands of a title race, could be the difference between success and failure in these closing stages.

In terms of tactical options, having both players back increases Rodgers’ flexibility. For Bernardo, in particular, his creativity and ability to break forward from midfield could be essential in games where Celtic needs that extra bit of guile to break down deep-lying defenses. His ball control, vision, and flair make him an excellent player to bring on when the game is tight, and with his recent return, he’ll be itching to make up for lost time and show why he’s such a key part of Celtic’s plans moving forward.

Rodgers has been vocal about how important it is to have a squad capable of stepping up when needed. Injuries to key players earlier in the season forced others to step into the limelight, and the depth of Celtic’s squad has allowed them to keep up their momentum in the league and across all competitions. But now, with Forrest and Bernardo back, Rodgers has even more options at his disposal. The return of these two players is a clear sign that the Hoops are not just relying on their first-choice players to get them through; they have a bench that can make an impact too, which is something Celtic didn’t have during certain points in the past few seasons.

Given how both players contributed last season when it mattered most, their return couldn’t come at a better time. There’s still an intense schedule ahead, with crucial matches against teams like Rangers and other contenders for silverware, and Celtic will need all hands on deck to secure the league title and cup victories. As much as Forrest and Bernardo may have faced frustrations this season with their injuries, their returns provide a fresh sense of optimism and renewed energy within the squad. Rodgers will likely ease them back into the fold gradually, but there’s no doubt that both players will be eager to prove their worth, especially with a potential starting role in upcoming fixtures. Their fresh legs and match experience could be crucial in the final stretch of the season, and they’ll certainly be looking to recapture their form from last year when Celtic needed them most.

Ultimately, these returns reinforce the idea that Celtic’s squad is a true collective effort, with experienced players like Forrest and Bernardo complementing the younger talents coming through. With more depth than ever, Celtic now look well-positioned to push for the treble, and Rodgers will be hoping that the fresh additions can help them bounce back from any setbacks, particularly as they look forward to a season-defining trip to Ibrox.