Scotland Euro 2024 star gets refund on holiday following surprise Scotland call-up
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers voiced his excitement at James Forrest’s reinstatement to the Scotland team for Euro 2024, revealing that the seasoned winger had to request a refund on his summer vacation considering how far out of the international picture he was just a few months before. Forrest, who has 38 caps for Scotland, last played for Steve Clarke’s team in the summer of 2021, in the country’s opening Euro 2020 encounter against the Czech Republic at Hampden. After sliding out of the first-team picture at Celtic owing to form and injury, it appeared the 32-year-old’s international career was ended.
In a webcast press conference prior of Saturday’s Scottish Cup final between Celtic and Rangers, Rodgers stated: “I spoke with him earlier, and he had to get his money back on the holiday that he had booked! I’m pleased for him. What I like about the Scottish boys up here, James and Cal (McGregor), and all the guys, is that in all my time working with these players – and I’ve been in other clubs before with other nationalities, where there may be one or two who want to pull themselves out – every one of these guys is so proud to play for Scotland. Everyone wants to go.
And, for James, I could see the smile on his face. It’s absolutely brilliant for him. I think it’s great for Scotland as well because you have someone with that talent and quality who has really hit form at the right time. Steve knows what he will get from James. I saw in my first spell up here where he was absolutely outstanding at club level and in the national team, scoring hat-tricks. I’m sure he will able to help Scotland.”
Forrest himself said it was a “massive bonus” to be recalled and said his full focus had been forcing his way back into contention with his club. “It’s a massive bonus and really good after the last couple of months,” he told the Celtic website. “It’s a great end to the season and a great experience to go away with the national team to the Euros.
Just after training I came into the changing room and the squad had been announced, so it was good and obviously there’s a few other boys from Celtic going as well. I know most of the boys in the squad, even though it’s a few years since I’ve been in the squad. I still know most of the staff and the players as well and I’m really looking forward to it.
“Outside, people were talking and maybe asking me questions, but I’ve honestly just loved the last couple of months, contributing and helping for Celtic. I’ve been really enjoying my football, and winning the league and getting to the cup final, that’s just what I’ve been focusing on every day. Then you reap the rewards with the national team coming in as well.”
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