Questions have been asked about Celtic in recent months after faltering both domestically and in Europe but the Hoops answered their critics in emphatic fashion with a 3-0 Betfred Cup semi-final win over Hearts.
And it could've been more, the Hoops finished the game playing the kind of free-flowing football that was a hallmark of Brendan Rodgers' first two seasons in charge.
By the time the second half kicked off, Celtic had lost both of their starting central midfielders with both Kouassi Eboue and Olivier Ntcham succumbing to injury.
But the two players who replaced the pair were pivotal in Celtic's rollicking second half display.
The first goal came when Ryan Christie, who replaced Ntcham at the break, was brought down by Oliver Bozanic in the box and Scott Sinclair, who came on for Kouassi, dispatched the penalty.
Forrest was then gifted the second after a howler by Hearts keeper Zdenek Zlamal and Christie wrapped things up with a magnificent third from outside the box right into the top corner.
It was a satisfying day for Celtic and it felt like the Hoops really stuck it to their critics today.
Michael Gannon ran the rule over the Hoops stars during the win.
How they rated
Scott Bain
Stayed in the cup side and rarely was threatened. Smart with the ball as his feet. 7
Mikael Lustig
Took a couple of dull ones early on but dusted himself down to produce a solid display. 7
Kristoffer Ajer
A surprise starter after a spell out injured but strolled through the game and was cool in possession. 7
Filip Benkovic
The big Croatian was so calm he could have left the iron on and he’d just expect to come home to a pair of freshly pressed slacks. 7
Kieran Tierney
The huge Murrayfield pitch suited the full back as he energetically burst up and down the flank all day. 7
Kouassi Eboue
A day to forget. Injured early, limped around, misplaced a few passes and had his haw maws squeezed by Steven MacLean before hobbling off inside half an hour. 3
Olivier Ntcham
Took some time to gain control but then was forced to go off at half-time. 5
James Forrest
Frustrated early on but grew in to the game and was a key outlet as Celts seized control. Razor sharp to make sure for the second. 7
Tom Rogic
Crowded out in the opening spells but emerged as a big presence once Celts were ahead and the clash opened up. 7
Callum McGregor
Played a leading role with so much chopping and changing. Disciplined, mature display. 7
Odsonne Edouard
Led the line unselfishly and peeled wide to leave space for others to exploit. 7
Subs used:
Scott Sinclair
Replaced Kouassi in the 26th minute. The old Scott Sinclair was back. Quick, direct and decisive. 8
Ryan Christie
Came on for Ntcham at half-time. His best display for Celts topped by a stunning goal. 7
Jack Hendry
On late for Ajer to keep it tight after the game was wrapped up.
Subs not used: Gordon, Ralston, Hayes, Morgan.