IN PICTURES: SCOTLAND 3 ISRAEL 2

IT TOOK a scintillating hat-trick from James Forrest – the first Scotland treble from a Celtic player since the great Jimmy Quinn 110 years ago – to give Scotland a crucial 3-2 win over Israel at Hampden last night.

As ever, the Scots made it difficult for themselves as the visitors netted a second near the end and German referee Tobia Welz allowed four excruciating minutes of stoppage time.

However, at the final blast of the match official’s whistle, it was job done for Alex McLeish’s men.

CQN‘s ace lensman Geo was at the national stadium to capture the action. Here is the pick of his pics.

CLASH…Scotland striker Steven Fletcher is tackled by ex-Celt Beram Kayal.

IT‘S BEHIND YOU…Stuart Armstrong is put under pressure by Israeli defender Dor Peretz.

ONE…James Forrest makes it 1-1 with the first of his hat-trick.

TWO…Forrest is grounded, but his shot is on its way into the net and it’s 2-1.

THREE…Forrest calmly sidefoots to make it 3-1 and complete his wonderful hat-trick. It turned out to be the winning goal. 

MAKING THEIR POINT…coaches James McFadden and Peter Grant get their message across to substitute Scott McTominay.

ON THE BALL…substitute Matt Phillips drives forward.

ALL WHITE ON THE NIGHT…Ryan Christie looks relieved as he comes off at the end.

WELL DONE, OLD MATE…three-goal James Forrest is congratulated by ex-colleague Beram Kayal at full-time.

CHEERS…Alex McLeish applauds the Tartan Army at the end.

THREE’N’EASY…hat-trick hero James Forrest with the match ball. Pics: Geo.