Celtic winger James Forrest has come back from the periphery since the tail end of last season to maintain his position as an important figure under Brendan Rodgers.
The 33-year-old has started the campaign in vintage fashion, registering four assists in his opening ten appearances across all competitions.
Nevertheless, Celtic’s James Forrest withdrew from the latest Scotland squad due to injury, marking the second time he has dropped out of Steve Clarke’s plans in the last two breaks alongside Greg Taylor.
Since replaced in the squad, the veteran will have to wait for his 40th cap after Forrest last featured for Scotland against Gibraltar in June before EURO 2024.
Unfortunately, he wasn’t given a chance to make an impression in Germany despite his ability to unlock defences. Examining his situation a few months on, there may be a natural conclusion to be found for several reasons.
James Forrest’s Scotland situation amid recent call-offs
Mid-season internationals can come at an inconvenient time for some players, who may have picked up injury niggles in club action that require treatment.
Undoubtedly, the veteran winger will be in that boat right now, with Celtic waiting to see the outcome of Forrest’s latest knock, which he was initially pulled out of Scotland’s final training session before they flew to Zagreb for before it emerged that the Hoops hero needed further attention.
Despite his absence coming as a blow for his national team, the Lennoxtown graduate endured a three-year Scotland exile before making his dramatic comeback to secure a seat on the plane at EURO 2024.
With the fact he hasn’t played competitively for his country since 2021 in mind, plus the added inconvenience provided by injuries that harm his club prospects, there is a clear scenario that has the potential to unfold in the near future.
James Forrest and prolonging his Celtic career
Before landing the decisive shot, Forrest is someone who appears to enjoy featuring for his country deeply and the honour of being able to carry that out shouldn’t be understated.
Nevertheless, thinking of his Celtic career, there may come a time where copying his club teammate Callum McGregor’s example comes into mind.
It is no secret to anyone that McGregor chose to retire from Scotland duty earlier this year and looks to be reaping his rewards, not least if his four strikes from outside the box this season are anything to go by.
Taking an honest view, Forrest’s injury struggles at Celtic that pre-date his recent renaissance should serve enough of a warning.
The veteran has needed to work hard to get back to his role as an important contributor, something that didn’t seem entirely possible even a year ago. It would be a shame to risk that long-term, especially when his Scotland involvement over recent years has dwindled significantly.
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