Forrest Fired Up

30 May 2011 09:39
James Forrest has tasted international football and would like to do so again. James Forrest is determined to remain in Scotland manager Craig Levein's plans after making his international debut against the Republic of Ireland last night. The Celtic winger played from the start as Scotland lost 1-0 to the host nation which picked up the inaugural Carling Nations Cup in Dublin. But even the end result could not ruin what was a memorable experience for the teenager who is now hungry for more caps after declaring himself please with his own game.  Forrest said: "Hopefully I've done enough. The manager said to myself and big Grant Hanley after the game that it was good first starts from us and I don't want to stop now. I've got one cap now and I want to go on and get more. I was pleased with how I played. You always feel you can do better and I should have scored but I was pleased with my performance overall. To get your first start for the national team at the age of just 19 is incredible. I just want to push on now and get even more caps."  Having made the breakthrough to the Celtic first team at such a young age, Forrest claims there were no big-game nerves ahead of the game with the Republic. He said: "I found yesterday morning that I was in the team so I had a couple of hours to prepare. I just took it in my stride. To be fair, I've played in bigger games with my club this season so that helped me as well. I'm just gutted we didn't win but hopefully that will come the next time I play."  Robbie Keane grabbed the only goal of the game to bring his international tally to 49 and ensure the host nation claimed the silverware. But Forrest insists the Scots put up a decent show and demonstrated they are progressing under Levein and now boast a decent squad. He said: "I think we were the better team and we had more chances as well. It was a good game. We have players in this squad who play in the Premier League every week and players playing with Celtic and Rangers. All the players are gelling so we are definitely on the right track."

Source: FOOTYMAD