TIME FOR NEW CHAPTER IN FORREST'S FAIRYTALE

Clarke should unleash James on Hungary to complete star's return from wilderness

- CHRIS SUTTON

IT was a fairytale end to the season for James Forrest for Celtic - and there could be another chapter penned this summer for Scotland.

No one could have scripted the final few months of the campaign for the attacker.

He was out in the cold at the turn of the year with Brendan Rodgers signing Nicolas Kuhn in January and giving Yang his chance while Daizen Maeda was a nailed-on starter most weeks.

But he kept plugging away behind the scenes and when his opportunity arose, he didn't half take it.

When the dust has settled and people reflect on season 2023/24, Forrest's impact will not go unnoticed.

There were some big performers in those last few months, with Callum McGregor battling back to fitness, Reo Hatate returning to the side and Adam Idah making a huge impact in his loan spell.

Forrest was another who produced huge season-defining moments, like his goal seconds after coming off the bench in the Scottish Cup semi-final against Aberdeen, his stunning volley at Dundee and his disciplined displays against Rangers.

Even he would have been surprised to be so heavily involved in that spectacular finale and to top it off he was rewarded with a Scotland call for Germany. Which is why I'm slightly surprised Forrest hasn't seen any action for Steve Clarke's side at the Euros so far.

In the first game I felt they were crying out for someone to help get them up the pitch.

Forrest is a ball carrier and that was something Scotland were severely lacking.