James Forrest has just been given a huge Glasgow derby incentive this weekend ahead by Scotland manager Steve Clarke.
Celtic face Rangers at Parkhead this afternoon looking to salvage some pride. The game most certainly represents a more important game for some players than others. Certain players will be looking to put themselves in the shop window, whilst others could be playing for their future.
For Forrest, he’ll be looking to step up his return from injury and impress both Celtic interim coach John Kennedy and Scotland manager Steve Clarke. With Euro 2020 just around the corner, Forrest will be determined to build up his fitness levels whilst continuing to be a source of goals and assists for the Hoops.
And even though he’s just back from a long-term ankle injury that required surgery, Scotland boss Clarke isn’t giving up on him. As quoted by the National, the Tartan Army boss hinted the door is still ajar for Forrest to make this summer’s Euros.
“James has done well for his country. A lot of people remember Allan McGregor’s big save in the 3-2 game against Israel that qualified us for the Nations League play-off and eventually Euro 2020. James scored a hat-trick that night. You can’t forget that kind of input.
“He was in some of my earlier squads and he did well. He is a good character, good about the squad and is a good player – he has also had a serious injury.
“Hopefully he will get a few games between now and the summer and we will see what happens. But certainly I haven’t forgotten about him that’s for sure.”
James Forrest still has time to impress; shining in Glasgow derby would be a huge boost
What an incentive that is for Forrest. Not just for today, but for the rest of the season. After making his return in a 12-minute cameo at Tannadice two weeks ago, the winger will be itching for more game-time today.
Forrest unsurprisingly missed out on Scotland’s squad for next week’s World Cup qualifiers. But this is a clear indication that Clarke is keeping an eye on his progress.
It would be naive to think that Forrest will waltz into the starting line-up today. Considering the severity of his previous injury and his lack of minutes so far, he’ll likely start on the bench. But he’s had two weeks to continue to build his strength up at Lennoxtown, half-an-hour or so shouldn’t be beyond him if necessary.
And if he proves to be the difference-maker in a fixture such as this one, it’s a feather in his cap. It would boost his chances of a quicker return to both the Celtic and Scotland starting XIs.
One of the major questions surrounding Forrest heading into today is where his sharpness levels are at. Remember, when he came on at Tannadice, he was dispossessed on several occasions. He wasn’t able to run at the full-back the way he would normally like.
So there will need to be a big improvement on that performance if he does come on today. But Clarke has just thrown James a bone ahead of today – let’s see whether he’s hungry enough to chase it.
In other news, a former Brendan Rodgers signing has admitted that he wants to visit Celtic Park again to thank the supporters.
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