Celtic will take centre stage in the Champions League tonight against RB Leipzig, though there are also other developments surrounding the club that will bubble away in the background.
Flying under the radar, Steve Clarke named his Scotland squad yesterday for their upcoming Nations League double-header against Croatia and Poland.
As expected, Anthony Ralston and Greg Taylor were both called up and will feature in his plans, but there was no place for Luke McCowan or James Forrest with the November international break within touching distance.
In light of his positive form, the decision to overlook Celtic man McCowan from Scotland leaves questions to be answered.
Now, Clarke has expanded on why Forrest hasn’t been selected despite some concerns regarding his current forward options.
Steve Clarke on James Forrest’s Scotland omission
Speaking after the squad announcement, Clarke revealed that Che Adams’ recent injury concern won’t force him into calling up an attack-minded replacement due to the short period of time between matches, before eluding to why Forrest has been omitted.
He explained [Daily Record]: “No, I’ve got four forwards in the squad, so we’re well covered in that department. Che picked it up on Sunday, so it’s obviously a short period of time between now. It’ll be scanned and assessed by his club, and we’ll find out later in the week whether or not he’ll join up.”
He then added on Forrest: “The boys that were playing last month did well. Obviously, James pulled out the squad with a slight injury, and Ben Doak got his chance and I thought Ben took it quite well, so I’ll stick with Ben.”
Forrest has pulled out of the last two Scotland squad due to injury, so it maybe isn’t a major surprise that Doak has came into contention instead.
Scotland decisions are Celtic’s gain despite debate
It is harsh on McCowan, in particular, to have been overlooked by Scotland, but for Celtic, the former Dundee midfielder and Forrest will have some extra time at Lennoxtown without having to exert themselves too much over the international break.
With the squad set to be pushed on the other side, Brendan Rodgers will want all of his key men available as the Bhoys step up their hunt for success on the domestic scene and in the Champions League.
That mission continues tonight, so hopefully, the Bhoys can go out and leave it all on the pitch against Leipzig.
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