Alex McLeish was delighted to see James Forrest break his international duck.
Two second half goals from the Celtic winger killed off any prospect of a comeback from Albania as Scotland kept alive their hopes of topping their Nations League group.
Forrest sat out the first two matches against Albania and Israel but will be one of the first names on the team-sheet for Tuesday’s Hampden visit from Israel.
“James has been there or thereabouts for Scotland in the last couple of years, he has had a lot of caps,” McLeish told the Daily Record.
“When he goes on the field you say go and take the bull by the horns. He has been in great scoring form for his club and he continued that scoring vein which was marvellous to see and two great goals.”
Forrest has been in remarkable form for Celtic starting off with his four goal haul against St Johnstone, unfortunately for Scotland that wasn’t enough to earn him a place in the Scotland side away to Israel.
The scoring run earned him the SPFL Player of the Month award for October with his form continuing into November and a starring role in Celtic’s Europa League win over RB Leipzig.
Forrest doesn’t go seeking publicity or attention but his joy when the ball hits the back of the net is obvious to all.
“I’m absolutely buzzing. I’ve had a few chances before to score but to get two on my 25th appearance, I’m delighted.
“I think you have to believe in your ability and when you get your chance you have to take it because there’s a lot of good players in the squad.
“I think all the boys will take a lot of confidence into Tuesday night.”
