Martin O’Neill has backed James Forrest for a Scotland return, even with the winger having been out of the international picture for several years.
Scotland will be at the 2026 World Cup, and attention is turning to what the squad could look like. Forrest has not featured since 2020, but his recent form at Celtic has brought his name back into the discussion.
The winger has played a cameo role this season. He is not starting every week, but he has made an impact when called upon. That has come through direct running, quick decisions, and an ability to change the pace of a game late on.
Those traits can carry into international football. Tournament matches often become tight, with little space. A player who can beat a defender and deliver early into the box gives a team another option when patterns of play break down.
Forrest still has that burst. He showed it again in recent appearances, getting beyond defenders and forcing them back towards their own goal. That kind of movement can stretch a back line that is set and waiting.
O’Neill was asked about the possibility of Forrest being involved with Scotland again and made his stance clear.
He said: (BBC Scotland), “Well, why would I tell Mr Clarke his job? It’s the last thing I used to want to do. But OK, I’ll tell you what I’ll do. I’ll put him in.
“He’s got that little bit of pace.
“I know he started today, but he’s had a big, big impact in recent weeks for us, as he has done since my very first spell here.
“So he is an asset. He can go past players. He still has that wee burst of speed and he can cross.
“And, you know, why not? Why not?”
Forrest’s case is built on what he can still offer in short bursts. He does not need to play every minute to affect a game. One run, one cross, one moment can be enough at that level.
Scotland have stronger depth now than in previous campaigns, but different options matter across a tournament. Forrest brings something direct and simple.
He has not been involved for a while, but his current form has at least reopened the question.
