Hat-trick hero Forrest fans the flames

qualifier,” said the 27-year-old. “The manager and the staff will tell us to put this stage of it to bed and now get ready for the games ahead. From the outset we aimed to top the group and we have done that, so the momentum will be there heading into the qualifiers.

“What we have done over the last 10 days will give us plenty of confidence.

“With the way we have performed, so attacking, creating chances and scoring goals, we will fancy our chances against anyone.

“The group has been working hard – we have to keep it going.”

Forrest secured Scotland’s top spot in the Nations League table in historic fashion; the winger became the first Celtic player to score a hat-trick for Scotland for 110 years, with Jimmy Quinn was the last Celt to achieve the same feat.

It took his tally to five goals in two games for Scotland and to 11 goals in his last 11 appearances for both Celtic and Scotland.

“It was incredible, I’m absolutely buzzing,” he smiled. “To come to Hampden and get a hat-trick is the stuff of dreams really. It’s up there with everything else I’ve done with Celtic.

“I just have to keep working hard, play well for Celtic and, when we meet up with Scotland again, I hope I’m still playing with as much confidence.”

Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor pulled off an impressive stop to deny Israel a late leveller in what was a nervy finale but for Forrest the main thing was simply in seeing out the game.

“We had to rely on Allan McGregor near the end. It was a great save and that’s what he’s capable of,” said Forrest. “The game changed really quickly. The lads were tired but everyone dug deep and we got there in the end.”