JUST like every Celtic supporter, I was absolutely delighted for James Forrest last night. His 5 goals in 2 games for Scotland might just be an all-time record for a Celtic Star, certainly as Sky Sports told us, it was the first hat-trick by a Celtic Star since Jimmy Quinn 110 years ago.
The hardcore support in the Tartan Army ie the ones who went along to Hampden last night, showed their appreciation by chanting ‘There’s only one James Forrest,’ a wee song that is strangely not heard that often at our own games.
The Forrest’s on Fire tune at the end played by the SFA’s DJ is perhaps a better option for us though.
What a player we have in James Forrest! And a special word too for the other two Celts on the park last night, Ryan Christie really has arrived at the top table in the Scottish game and looked like he’s been there for years. He just looks a natural at this level.
Callum was criticised for the opening Israeli goal – which gave us some strange satisfaction as it was Kayal beating Allan McGregor – but he was solid throughout the game, even picking up a yellow.
Stuart Armstrong, the other former Celt, contributed to the win with his determined running at their defence.
The other thought that is maybe best not said, but what the hell. While Andy Robertson is a good player, he does not impress me as much as Kieran Tierney in that left back role. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion though.
Back to Jamesie, who was last night’s man of the match and left Hampden with the match ball. Here’s what he had to say to the media about his very special night.
“It was incredible, I’m absolutely buzzing,” The Celtic Star said.
“It was great scoring my first goals for Scotland the other night so to come to Hampden and get a hat-trick is the stuff of dreams really.
“It’s up there with everything else I’ve done with Celtic.
“I got asked that the other night as well after my first goals, it’s up there with the big nights I have had at Celtic.
“I only got my first goals the other day and now I have five, it’s pretty crazy really.
“I just want to kick on again from here, get as many caps as I can and hopefully get as many goals as I can.
“I just have to keep working hard, play well for Celtic and when we meet up with Scotland again I hope I’m still playing with as much confidence.
“It has been a really positive ten days, we will all go back to our clubs with plenty of confidence.”
Forrest also spoke about the success of the UEFA’s new Nations League which was generally mocked when announced but now is regarded as a big success, as it has given meaningful, exciting games rather than boring friendlies.
“Now we know we have the play-offs secured we can have a real crack at the qualifiers,” Forrest noted.
“The manager and the staff will tell us to put this stage of it to bed and now get ready for the games ahead.
“A lot of people have been indifferent about the Nations League but it has been competitive games and a great chance to qualify.
“From the outset we aimed to top the group and we have done that, so the momentum will be there heading into the qualifiers.
“What we have done over the last ten days will give us plenty of confidence and everyone is looking forward to the draw now.
“We will find out who we’ll be playing but with the way we have performed – so attacking, creating chances and scoring goals so we will fancy our chances against anyone.
“The group has been working hard – we have to keep it going now.”
Also on The Celtic Star today…
Jim Craig – Murdo MacLeod thundered a tremendous drive past McCloy …See HERE.
Goodbye Europe and hello Champagne Charlie…See HERE.
