James Forrest has revealed talks with Steve Clarke ahead of the World Cup.
With 39 caps to his name, the winger has scored five goals for Scotland, all of which came in one four-day window in November 2018.
Clarke’s trust in Forrest is evidenced by the fact that he was named in the squad for EURO 2020 and 2024.
At the age of 34, he now features predominantly as a substitute for Celtic, though he still manages to contribute regularly. Will he be contributing in North America this summer?
Steve Clarke to Celtic: yes or no?
Celtic’s James Forrest: nothing booked yet ahead of World Cup
On his stance on returning to international football, Forrest said: “I’ve never closed the door on playing for Scotland.
“I think being at Celtic, the main thing is playing here for the rest of the season.
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“If you are playing well for Celtic, then you get recognised by Scotland, because you are going for leagues, playing in cup finals and Europe.
“I’ve seen in the past, as a Celtic player, it does sometimes lead to Scotland as well. To be honest, the main focus is on doing well for Celtic, giving everything from now until the end of the season.
“It’s obviously unbelievable what Steve Clarke and the players have done,” Forrest added. “It’s great for the country, reaching a World Cup.
“I spoke to the manager a couple of times, maybe more at the start of last season and after we qualified.
“The manager has done great. He’s picked the teams that have done brilliantly to get to another competition. Everyone will back whatever decisions he makes.
“To be fair, we don’t know when we will be back in with Celtic yet either, so nothing is booked.
Give us your immediate reaction to James Forrest signing a new contract
“Everything is always a bit last-minute when you are a footballer anyway.
“I was booked up before the Euros but ended up going. I’ve been part of the last two Euros and that was great. But, as I said, the main one is Celtic but if it happens, it happens. I just want a good finish to the season.
It’s unbelievable the games they’ve won with the pressure they have been under,” he said. “I’ve watched the games and I know the lads. I’m delighted for them.
“I’m obviously a bit older. I would have loved to have played in a World Cup and been part of it. But, at the same time, I’ve had a good career and it’s not done yet.
“You can never rule anything out in football. That’s the great thing about it. I’ve signed up for another year here and I want to work hard and do as well as possible.
“The boys have been unreal and they deserve the chance to go to the World Cup.”
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Celtic players in the Scotland set-up
Scotland’s name likely wouldn’t have been in the hat if it weren’t for Celtic hero Kieran Tierney, who took the roof off of Hampden with his stunning winner against Denmark.
There’s little doubt that Callum McGregor is still capable of contributing for Clarke’s side, but he retired from international football in 2024.
Anthony Ralston is the only other Celtic player who was involved in the Scotland squad that secured qualification.
Reliable contributor Luke McCowan has still never been called up by Clarke – Scotland could do worse than him.
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