Forrest top of the Scots

James Forrest is the 2019 International Player of the Year

JAMES FORREST has come out on top in the SFWA poll for best International Player of the Year.

The Celtic star, capped 28 times, was pivotal in securing a place for the national team in the UEFA Nations League play-offs.

On November 17 last year, Forrest scored his first two goals for Scotland in the 4–0 away victory over Albania.

The three days later, he blasted a hat-trick as Scotland beat Israel 3–2 to qualify for the play-offs.

He became the first Celtic player to score a hat-trick for Scotland since Jimmy Quinn in 1908, and the first Scotland player to score at least two goals in consecutive matches since Denis Law in 1963.

These goals have given Scotland the opportunity to still qualify for Euro 2020 if they cannot get out of their qualifying group.

And there seems little doubt the Parkhead winger will have a huge role to play in the campaign ahead.

James, of course, is also short-listed along with team-mate Callum McGregor and Rangers pair Allan McGregor and Alfredo Morelos to win the Association’s main award, the Player of the Year.

All of our award winners will be honoured at the 55th annual dinner on Sunday at Glasgow’s Doubletree by Hilton Hotel.