The Euros are now well underway and the Celtic fans will be looking forward to, hopefully, seeing more of their heroes representing Scotland over the coming ten days or so.
Anthony Ralston and Callum McGregor have already tasted some action albeit in the 5-1 defeat to Germany, but with Switzerland coming up on Wednesday night, this must-win game for Scotland could mean we see an appearance by James Forrest.
The Celtic winger was taken to Germany by Steve Clarke after his superb form for Celtic in the final games of the season helped deliver a league and Scottish Cup double.
And Craig Beattie reckons that the Hoops hero is still one of Brendan Rodgers’ key men heading into the new season.
James Forrest ‘never lets’ Celtic down
James Forrest, at 32, just proved his worth to Celtic once again after brilliant performances for Celtic in the Scottish Cup semi-final against Aberdeen and in the post-split fixtures to help Rodgers retain the league title.
And Beattie believes that the Celtic stalwart will still be vital for Brendan Rodgers‘ plans to defend the title and make a mark in Europe.
Beattie said [Daily Record], “Jamesy is a great lad, first and foremost. His attitude is second to none.
“Brendan in his first spell at Celtic really brought him on. His pressing and other areas of his game improved and he gets really important goals and assists for Celtic.
“He’s a super player, whether starting or off the bench. He’s Mr Reliable. He never lets you down and his accolades are stacking up. He’s second in the all-time list of winners at Celtic and he’s a phenomenal story.
“Especially at Celtic, when they’ve got money and making a lot of signings, James is still the one. It’s not out of sentiment.
“That’s not because of his past success, it’s because he has earned it and deserved it. They’ve spent a lot of money on wingers and that’s the challenge for people coming into Celtic.
“James is still one of their key men and it’s hard to get him out of the team.”
One of Celtic’s most decorated footballers, Forrest has been pivotal to the team’s successes ever since making his debut under Neil Lennon back in 2010.
Forrest has scored for Celtic in every single season since then and picked up his 24th major honour in his career after beating Rangers at Hampden in this season’s Scottish Cup final.
The Scotland winger could help his country create history this summer if he helps Steve Clarke get out of the group stage at the Euros.
If he does that, it would cap off a stunning career which Beattie reckons is going to continue with Rodgers and Celtic into next season.
