Achi news desk-
MATT O’RILEY reckons James Forrest deserves more respect – and a place in Scotland’s Euro squad.
The Celtic Forest winger started just three of the 22 games he played in before making a substitute appearance in the Scottish Cup semi-final two weeks ago.
5
5
5
The 32-year-old has been in Brendan Rodgers’ squad for both games since – and he has scored a brace against Dandy.
UEFA confirmed last week that the bosses in the summer finals will be able to name 26 players in the squad – three more than usual.
This injuries For some of Steve Clarke’s regulars, see Forrest who earned a late call-up.
He has netted five times in 38 caps for his country, but has not featured since the 2-0 loss to the Czech Republic. euro in 2021.
Read more Scotland stories
Asked about Forrest’s chances of being on the plane to Germany, O’Reilly said: “It would be amazing. You can’t say he doesn’t deserve it to some degree.
“He’s been so good the last two months. I think they should take him because he’s very good.
“You don’t get 100 goals And assists to Celtic if you’re not half decent. He proved it over time, and I think he deserves much more respect than he gets, from me opinion.”
Clarke has already lost the likes of Lewis Ferguson and Nathan Patterson while Stuart Armstrong, Aaron Hickey and Billy Gilmour face Race Against time to qualify for the final.
Scott McTominay recently insisted he will be fine, despite being out with a knee problem Manchester United draw with Burnley.
Rodgers labeled Forrest the godfather of modern-day Celtic after his return to action.
He also admitted that there were times in the season when he should have been played more, but instead chose players who have recently arrived.
Forest took their chance after the loss of Daisen Mida, who Rodgers thought was out for the season but returned from the bench on Saturday.
And the Hoops boss must now decide whether to start Forest in Saturday’s pivotal Old Firm clash.
The wide man has lifted 23 trophies since making his Celts debut in May 2010 and was named Players’ and Writers’ Player of the Year in 2019.
5
5
Forrest’s second goal at the dance was his 108th in 492 appearances.
O’Reilly said: “It’s pretty crazy how much he’s won. He’s just like that really Nice A guy too, and that’s the most important thing.”
Callum McGregor, Anthony Ralston and Greg Taylor could be in Clarke’s squad, while midfielder O’Reilly is also hoping to be in the final after scoring his first goal in Denmark last November.
He took his season tally to 15 goals and 17 assists after teeing up Kyogo Furohashi and then scoring from the penalty spot against Hearts on Saturday.
O’Reilly’s incredible form saw him nominated for the PFA Player of the Year award before losing out to winner Lawrence Shankland.
But the 23-year-old was struck by the way Forest never let his head drop, even when he went months without getting the nod from Rodgers.
He added: “James just means so much Earth. Even when he wasn’t playing regularly, he was still such a nice guy at the club Instruction Ground and be around, never toxic towards anyone.
Read more about the Scottish sun
“If anyone deserves to play and play well, it’s him. He’s also just very good at it footballWhich helps us.
“At least four from Celtic have a chance to get in GermanyAnd that would be nice.”
Keep up to date with all the latest news and transfers on the Scottish Sun’s football page
