JAMES FORREST is one of three Celtic players called up by Scotland boss Steve Clarke for next month’s Nations League matches against Poland and Portugal.
The Hoops veteran winger, who made an excellent return to first-team action at the tail-end of last season, gets the nod alongside defenders Anthony Ralston and Greg Taylor for the double-header.
Callum McGregor, the champions’ skipper and onfield leader, is missing, of course, after his recent decision to retire from international football following the Euro 24 Championship in Germany.
BACKS TO THE FUTURE…Celtic defenders Anthony Ralston (above) and Greg Taylor have been given the call-up for Scotland’s Nations League games against Poland and Portugal.
Former Parkhead prospect Ben Doak, now at Liverpool, is also in the player pool, but there is no place for ex-Hoops favourite Kieran Tierney who has been frozen out at Arsenal by Mikel Arteta.
The unfortunate defender saw his participation in the soccer extravaganza in Germany in June come to a halt when he limped off during the 1-1 draw with Switzerland.
Scotland will take on the Poles at Hampden a week on Thursday and the Portuguese in Lisbon three days later.
SCOTLAND SQUAD
Goalkeepers:
Zander Clark (Hearts), Angus Gunn (Norwich City), Robby McCrorie (Kilmarnock);
Defenders:
Anthony Ralston and Greg Taylor (both CELTIC), Grant Hanley (Norwich City), Max Johnston (SK Sturm Graz), Scott McKenna (UD Las Palmas), Ryan Porteous (Watford), Andy Robertson (Liverpool), John Souttar (Rangers);
Midfielders:
James Forrest (CELTIC), Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Ben Doak (Liverpool), Ryan Gauld (Vancouver Whitecaps), Billy Gilmour (Brighton), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Kenny McLean (Norwich City), Scott McTominay (Manchester United), Lewis Morgan (New York Red Bulls).
Forwards:
Che Adams (Torino), Tommy Conway (Middlesborough), Lyndon Dykes (Queens Park Rangers) and Lawrence Shankland (Hearts).
