James Forrest has responded to growing speculation around a potential Scotland recall for this summer’s World Cup, insisting his focus remains firmly on Celtic despite renewed international interest.
The winger, who has not featured regularly for Scotland in recent years, has found himself back in the conversation following a series of impactful appearances under Martin O’Neill. The Celtic manager recently backed Forrest for inclusion, highlighting his pace and ability to change games late on.
Forrest himself has not dismissed the possibility.
He said: (TCW), “I’ve never closed the door on playing for Scotland.
“I think being at Celtic, the main thing is playing here for the rest of the season.
“If you are playing well for Celtic, then you get recognised by Scotland, because you are going for leagues, playing in cup finals and Europe.
“I’ve seen in the past, as a Celtic player, it does sometimes lead to Scotland as well. To be honest, the main focus is on doing well for Celtic, giving everything from now until the end of the season.”
Forrest confirmed he has remained in contact with Scotland manager Steve Clarke, though any potential involvement this summer remains uncertain.
“It’s obviously unbelievable what Steve Clarke and the players have done.
“It’s great for the country, reaching a World Cup.
“I spoke to the manager a couple of times, maybe more at the start of last season and after we qualified.
“The manager has done great. He’s picked the teams that have done brilliantly to get to another competition. Everyone will back whatever decisions he makes.”
With Scotland preparing for a challenging group stage campaign, Forrest’s experience and direct style have been highlighted as potential assets, particularly in tight tournament matches.
At club level, Forrest has played a supporting role this season but has consistently delivered when called upon. His ability to stretch defences and provide quality in wide areas has given O’Neill a reliable option from the bench during a campaign marked by rotation and injuries.
Forrest is clear that his performances for Celtic will determine any international outcome.
“To be fair, we don’t know when we will be back in with Celtic yet either, so nothing is booked.
“Everything is always a bit last-minute when you are a footballer anyway.
“I was booked up before the Euros but ended up going. I’ve been part of the last two Euros and that was great. But, as I said, the main one is Celtic but if it happens, it happens. I just want a good finish to the season.”
Now one of the more experienced figures in the squad, Forrest acknowledged what a World Cup opportunity would mean while keeping expectations grounded.
“It’s unbelievable the games they’ve won with the pressure they have been under. I’ve watched the games and I know the lads. I’m delighted for them.
“I’m obviously a bit older. I would have loved to have played in a World Cup and been part of it. But, at the same time, I’ve had a good career and it’s not done yet.
“You can never rule anything out in football. That’s the great thing about it. I’ve signed up for another year here and I want to work hard and do as well as possible.
“The boys have been unreal and they deserve the chance to go to the World Cup.”
“I think it’s the hardest thing in football. Raldo has done it so many times. He goes away with Scotland, and he might not have played for a couple of months here [Celtic].
“But he goes and does really well. You see it here too. He might not be involved for a while but then he comes back and he never lets you down.
“We see him every day in training, he always gives 100 percent, and he’s got the quality as well.
“Coming through the youth team here, he knows what it takes. It’s great he’s still getting picked regularly for Scotland and it shows you how good a player he is.”
As Celtic push for the title and prepare for a Scottish Cup final, Forrest’s form has arrived at a crucial time.
Whether that translates into a place on the plane this summer remains in the hands of Clarke, but the winger has made it clear he is ready if called upon.
