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.”
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