The Euros in Germany are upon us and the Celtic fans will be able to enjoy watching at least one of their heroes in the big summer tournament.
Callum McGregor is one of four Celtic players who have been chosen by Steve Clarke for his provisional Scotland squad ahead of the trip to Germany.
And whilst Greg Taylor, Anthony Ralston and James Forrest will all get their opportunity to shine in the upcoming friendlies against Gibraltar and Finald, the Celtic captain is the only one out of the four guaranteed a place on that plane.
However, that didn’t stop James McFadden from tipping one of them to become a ‘real hero’ in Germany as the competition nears its big kick-off on the 14th of June.
McFadden ‘delighted’ with James Forrest Scotland call
James Forrest enjoyed a storming end to the Celtic season where the Hoops legend put in impressive performances against Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup semi-final and Rangers in the Scottish Premiership to help Brendan Rodgers secure a double.
His form earned him recognition from Steve Clarke and McFadden explains why he was over the moon at the Scotland boss’ decision to include the Celtic icon.
McFadden said [The Sunday Post print edition page 80], “I was delighted when Steve named James Forrest in his squad. He was brilliant for Celtic in the final six weeks of the season.
“He had an incredible impact at club level for Brendan and inspired the team to the domestic Double.
“I think there will be a role for James in the games in Germany. I hope he can have a similar impact for his country.
“And why not? He is certainly good enough and has the mentality to cope with it all.
“This is a guy who may well have thought that his career with Scotland was over and that there was no way back. He may well have the same thing about Celtic just six months ago.
“But he dug in, never gave up and worked his way back into the plans of Celtic and Scotland.
“I think we all love feel-good stories and this is one for James. He is an inspiration to every footballer up and down the country.
“I don’t know what kind of role James may have in the international games this summer but I would not rule him out of emerging as a real hero.”
It would be great to see all four Celtic players be involved in Germany but for James Forrest, to come in after a four-year break from Scotland duty would be an incredible achievement.
Used sparingly by Brendan Rodgers this season, Forrest proved his worth with an outstanding performance against Aberdeen at Hampden which forced the Celtic boss to pick him in four out of the five remaining SPFL fixtures of the season.
Forrest chipped in with three goals and an assist which helped Celtic successfully defend their SPFL crown and he was also crucial in the Hampden cup final which sealed the double.
It was a fairytale ending to the season for Forrest and if he is selected to join the Scotland squad for the Euros it would cap off an amazing turnaround for the Celtic winger when it seemed like he was out of the picture at the club.