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‘Just doesn’t make sense’ – Alex McLeish’s decision to leave James Forrest out confused Celtic and Scotland fans

Jay Williams

Mon 25 March 2019 18:45, UK

Pressure is mounting on Scotland manager Alex McLeish after two underwhelming results during the international break.

Scotland were thrashed 3-0 by Kazakhstan on Thursday before limping to a 2-0 win against minnows San Marino on Sunday.

And McLeish’s team selection had many Celtic and Scotland fans bewildered when he left James Forrest on the bench against San Marino.

The 27-year-old winger has been in excellent form for Celtic this season, scoring 15 goals and providing 19 assists.

But McLeish snubbed Forrest and left him on the bench as the toothless Scotland side struggled to break San Marino down.

Eventually, Forrest was introduced as a second-half substitute and less than two minutes later, he picked up an assist.

The injection of pace, skill and directness from the diminutive winger was enough to carve an opening and he set Johnny Russell up to make it 2-0.

Moments later, it should have been 3-0 as Forrest set up a sitter for Marc McNulty, who inexplicably missed his free header opportunity.

Forrest will feel aggrieved that he was relegated to the bench on Sunday and his substitute cameo certainly proved McLeish wrong.

Here are some things Celtic and Scotland fans said about this bizarre McLeish decision.

James Forrest is a game changer it just doesn’t make sense why he was on the bench??

— Andy ? (@AndyMckenna_)

I, for one, am stunned that the in-form James Forrest, the most decorated and fasted player we have, has set up a goal after coming on.

— Neil Cameron (@NeilCameron5)

James Forrest arguably the best Scottish player in Scotland. Plenty European experience… he can’t get in the team ?

— Ewan Murray (@mrewanmurray)

Wonder if there was an agreement to rest James Forrest for the game against San Marino? Strange decision to leave him out otherwise.

— Alex O’Henley (@OHenleyAlex)

James Forrest changed that game don’t care what anyone says

— ????? (@lewisdevlin97)

James Forrest has brought Scotland to life

— Oran (@oranstorrie99)

Enough with the James Forrest v Lionel Messi debates and just be happy that both of them are here at the same time for us to enjoy

— Gregor (@GregorSD)

Could anyone tell me why James Forrest didn’t start this game ? I am baffled ??

— scoot bhoy (@scootbhoy)