James Forrest’s added motivation could benefit Celtic

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The club season may have to an end, but many of Ange Postecoglou’s first team will spend the next few weeks on international duty.

Across the globe, Celtic will have players representing their nation, from Croatia to Japan.

Closer to home, here in Scotland, we also have four Celtic players who have been named as part of Steve Clarke’s 28-man squad.

Callum McGregor, Greg Taylor, David Turnbull and Anthony Ralston will all be hoping to play their part in the Tartan Army’s attempt to qualify for the Qatar World Cup taking place later this year.

One man who will be remaining at home this summer and not heading off on international duty is 38-time capped winger James Forrest.

The 30-year old has been part of his fair share of Scotland squads over the years, whether that be in Clarke’s side or former managers such as Gordon Strachan.

He has more than played his part, too, helping Scotland on their way to European Championship qualification last year, particularly with his contributions in the UEFA Nations League.

However, he now finds himself outside of Clarke’s regular squad after having many injury issues over the last two years.

The veteran winger featured 32 times under Postecoglou last season. But, minor knocks hindered Forrest from earning a consistent run in the side.

Many fans even began to question whether this season would be his last. Those questions were put to bed, though, with the academy graduate signing a new deal at the back end of last season.

With his future now set, the winger will be looking towards improvements next season, and this week could prove to be an extra motivation for Forrest.

Seeing four of his fellow Celtic teammates in the Scotland squad pushing for a place at the World Cup should drive Forrest into wanting to become more of a main feature under Postecoglou in 2022.

Should Scotland navigate Ukraine and Wales for a place at the World Cup in December, that also adds in the opportunity to be part of the squad for the tournament.

Of course, issues such as injury are out with the wingers’ control.

However, watching on from the sidelines could prove to be an added motivation for Forrest as he gets set to return to Lennoxtown for pre-season in early July.

In other news, Celtic man Carl Starfelt’s Sweden chance looks imminent after Man Utd star’s injury.