Scotland boss, Steve Clarke, has been urged to get one Celtic player involved in tonight’s Euro 2024 group stage game against Hungary tonight.
In what is now a must-win game, Scotland needs to take all three points from a very good Hungary side or else risk failing at the group stages again.
The draw against the Swiss gives Scotland a great chance of getting out of the group and against Hungary tonight, they will be offered a tough opposition.
The Hungarians have already been eliminated from the competition but this could still present a dangerous fixture for Clarke and his Scotland team.
With only pride left to play for, Hungary will be determined to go out of the tournament on a high and that could pose a real problem for Clarke.
Clarke urged to play Celtic star who ‘was on fire’ last season
Simon Donnelly was looking forward to the big game tonight and whilst he doesn’t believe James Forrest will start, he has urged the Scotland boss to involve him at some point in the game.
Donnelly said [The Sunday Post print edition page 64], “James Forrest and Stuart Armstrong haven’t featured at any stage as yet. They will be looking for an opportunity.
“I wouldn’t expect either to start against Hungary but they may well have a role to play.
“As we all know, James was on fire for Celtic in the final two months of the season. He was exceptional. He is direct and can dribble past defenders, whether that is going down the line or cutting inside.
“He eliminates opposition players and that is a priceless commodity.
“James is also disciplined and will do what is asked of him defensively. He has it in his locker to be a difference-maker.”
He certainly has and the Celtic fans have witnessed that first-hand not just last season but over his entire Hoops career.
But focusing on last season alone, Forrest was crucial in getting Celtic over the line in the race for the league title and winning the Scottish Cup.
The Scotland international was excellent in the win over Aberdeen at Hampden in the semi-final and in the victory over Rangers in the Scottish Cup final.
In the league, Forrest gave Brendan Rodgers’ attack a much-needed boost and goals against Dundee and Kilmarnock along with an assist against the Ayrshire side helped get his 12th, Celtic’s 54th, league title over the line.
His big-game mentality was crucial for Celtic and it could also be the difference between Scotland extending their stay in Germany or returning back to Glasgow as tournament failures again.