Alan Hutton has backed fit-again James Forrest to make a massive impact - for both Celtic and Scotland - following his return from injury.
Forrest, sidelined with a stress fracture in his ankle, scored on his first start since September as the Hoops eased aside Falkirk 3-0 in the Scottish Cup on Saturday.
That has set up a mouthwatering clash with rivals Rangers in the next round and former Ibrox favourite Hutton reckons the winger could be a crucial figure in the fourth round clash.
But, having been forced to sit out Scotland’s successful bid to make the Euro 2020 finals and the start of another World Cup qualifying campaign, Forrest is also being tipped to play a key role for his country this summer.
Hutton said: “He could make a massive difference. I think they [Celtic] have really missed him since he’s been out injured.
“He gives you those runs in behind that I think Celtic have really been missing. But, not only that, he can come short, he plays 1-2s, he’s very clever.
“And he’s got that pace, the pace that defenders are scared of.”
The 50-times capped defender told the BBC: “So, they’ve really missed him and, yes, Celtic need him back as soon as possible.
“But, as well, for Scotland in the Euros in the summer, he could be a massive part of what Scotland do.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel