Scotland’s Euro 2024 campaign came to a lackluster conclusion, with former Celtic star Chris Sutton raising questions about manager Steve Clarke’s decisions regarding James Forrest. Forrest, who had earned a spot in the squad due to his stellar performances for Celtic towards the end of the season, was left stranded on the bench as Scotland struggled in crucial matches against Switzerland and Hungary.
In desperate need of goals to secure their place in the Euros, Scotland failed to capitalize on Forrest’s attacking prowess. Sutton, expressing his frustration on social media, wondered why Clarke didn’t turn to the Celtic winger when the team was struggling to create chances throughout the tournament. Sutton criticized Clarke for his reluctance to utilize Forrest, a player known for his ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
Forrest’s impact for Celtic in the previous season, where he played a crucial role in securing a league and Scottish Cup double, further highlighted the misstep in Clarke’s decision-making. With Forrest being a proven big-game player, the decision not to utilize his talents during the tournament seemed baffling to many, including Sutton. As Forrest returns to Celtic, it is anticipated that Clarke will continue to face criticism for his handling of the situation, adding further scrutiny to the Scotland boss’s management.
