Celtic winger James Forrest has yet to feature for his nation at EURO 2024 despite his late burst of form in 2023/24.
Despite being a peripheral figure for much of the campaign, the 32-year-old nailed a place down at a crucial time under Brendan Rodgers, showing quality and experience to help the Bhoys claim a domestic double.
Overall, Forrest registered seven goals and two assists in 28 appearances, earning himself a call-up to Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad for their tilt at making tournament history in Germany [Transfermarkt].
Nevertheless, he has been a substitute for both games, the latter of which being a 1-1 stalemate with Switzerland. Instead, Clarke opted to bring Ryan Christie and Lawrence Shankland off the bench to try and make a late impact.
With Scotland more or less guaranteed to make the knockout stages if they can defeat Hungary tomorrow evening, Chris Sutton has explained why Forrest should get the nod to start.
Chris Sutton on why James Forrest could start Hungary clash
Per The Daily Record, Sutton opined that Forrest could give Scotland an attacking edge by playing from the start against Hungary, even if he were to function in an unfamiliar right wing-back berth.
He explained: “I’m slightly surprised Forrest hasn’t seen any action for Steve Clarke’s side at the Euros so far. In the first game I felt they were crying out for someone to help get them up the pitch. Forrest is a ball carrier and that was something Scotland were severely lacking.
“It was similar in the Switzerland game. I know Scotland got the result they needed but they could have done with Forrest coming on at half-time. The Swiss were causing a lot of problems down Scotland’s right side and they could have done with someone of Forrest’s experience, workrate and ability to keep the ball.
“I know he’s not played wing-back too often over the years – but he has done it. He knows when and how to press, he can defend, and he also gives the side an attacking option. Will he start against Hungary? That’s up to Clarke, but there’s no doubt Forrest wouldn’t let him down, and he might just be the man to pop up with another magical moment.”
On that side, Anthony Ralston has started both fixtures for the Tartan Army, and it remains to be seen if Clarke will tinker too much with his squad selection given what is at stake.
Either way, Scotland stand on the verge of creating history by reaching the Round of 16, which could see four Celtic players extend their stay in Germany for a while longer.
Hopefully, Forrest and company can do the business while avoiding any injury concerns in the process.
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