Pundit Chris Sutton gave his reason on why Scotland and Celtic 32-year-old midfielder James Forrest should start Scotland vs Hungary match today in the Euro 2024

Even though he was playing very well at the end of the 2023–24 season, Celtic winger James Forrest has not yet played for his country at EURO 2024.

Even though he wasn’t very important for most of the season, the 32-year-old nailed down a spot at a crucial time under Brendan Rodgers and used his skill and knowledge to help the Bhoys win the domestic double.

Forrest scored seven goals and set up two others in 28 games, which earned him a spot on Steve Clarke’s Scotland team as they tried to make competition history in Germany [Transfermarkt].

Still, he came on as a replacement for both games, with the most recent one being a 1-1 draw with Switzerland. Clarke chose to bring Ryan Christie and Lawrence Shankland off the bench instead to try to make a difference late on.

Chris Sutton has talked about why Forrest should start since Scotland will almost certainly make it to the next round if they beat Hungary tomorrow night.

This is why Chris Sutton thinks James Forrest could start the Hungary match.

To quote The Daily Record, Sutton thought that Forrest could help Scotland’s attack by starting against Hungary, even if he had to play right wing-back, which was a position he had never played before.

“I’m a little surprised that Forrest hasn’t played for Steve Clarke’s team at the Euros yet,” he said. At times during the first game, I thought they begged for help getting up the field. Forrest is good at carrying the ball, which was something Scotland really needed.

“It was the same in the game against Switzerland.” Even though Scotland got the win they needed, Forrest should have come on at halftime. Scotland’s right side was having a lot of trouble with the Swiss, and they could have used someone with Forrest’s skill, work rate, and ability to keep the ball.

“I know he hasn’t played wing-back very often over the years, but he has.” He knows when to press and how to do it. He can also defend, and he gives the other team a way to attack. Is he going to play against Hungary? That is Clarke’s choice, but I’m sure Forrest would not let him down. He could even come up with another magical moment.

On that side, Anthony Ralston has played both games for the Tartan Army. Given what is at stake, it remains to be seen if Clarke will make too many changes to his team selection.

In any case, Scotland is very close to making history by making it to the Round of 16. Four Celtic players could stay in Germany for a while longer if they make it that far.

Forrest and his team should be able to get the job done without any injuries happening.