Mctominay: That one was for Sir Alex
And United kid is tipping Forrest for the top of the tree
Manchester United midfielder Scott Mctominay has dedicated Scotland’s success against Israel last Tuesday night to Sir Alex Ferguson.
The Manchester United midfielder was only on the pitch for the final three minutes of the win that saw the Dark Blues top their Nations League group.
But his thoughts quickly turned to the Old Trafford legend, who is recovering from the brain haemorrhage he suffered back in May. “That was one of the most important victories I have been involved in, and it is dedicated to Sir Alex Ferguson,” he said.
“Like everyone else, I was devastated when the news came that the boss was not doing so well.
“So that one was for him.”
James Forrest rattled in a stunning hattrick to carry Alex Mcleish’s men into the Nations League play-offs, and within 180 minutes of a Euro 2020 place.
It was an effort which took his own individual tally to five goals in two games, andanevendozenfromhislast11games for club and country. Mctominay says the Celt would be a sensation in the English Premier League – but doesn’t expect to see him leave Celtic Park any time soon.
“James Forrest is a machine, isn’t he?” said Mctominay admiringly of his international team-mate.
“He’s had an unbelievable week at international level, and he deserves it because he’s a top lad.
“He’d be a sensation in the English Premier League. He’s got the quality to go and play in any league in the world.
“But he shows his ability every week at Celtic, and he is tied down to them (to 2022 under the new deal signed in September).
“James is a humble guy, and he’ll go back to them an even better player and continue to push forward.
“He’s that type of guy – just so focused and driven to achieve big things.
“He’s a terrific player for Scotland to have, that’s the main thing.”
At 27, and with 26 caps to his credit, Forrest’s hot streak has made him the new hero of the Tartan Army.
By contrast, 21-year-old Mctominay is the new kid still trying to establish himself in the group. A task he is confident he can accomplish.
“I can see myself in that Scotland midfield with the likes of Stuart Armstrong, Callum Mcgregor and Ryan Christie, of course I can,” he said.
“You have to have confidence in your own ability to play at any level. And when you play for my club, you should always have your chest puffed out.
“It’s just important for me to try to take my international form back and get minutes at club level.
“If they come, then it’s important that I’m competing for a start with Scotland.
“All in all, I just have to stay focused and show both managers – Mcleish and Jose Mourinho – that I’m capable of playing in these games.
“So it was an amazing feeling the other night to come on and help secure a play-off place, and it was brilliant for all the boys.
“As a midfield player, you should be used to coming on in difficult moments when the team might be under a bit of pressure. You just have to manage that.
“As a young player, it’s important to get experiences like that quickly. Whatever team you play for, or manager you work under, is irrelevant in that moment.
“You should be able to do the basics right, then you just try to help the team in the best wayyoucan.
“Alex Mcleish just told me to be compact, win the ball back and try to get us a goal. That’s the most important thing when you’re trying to kill a game off.
“Seeing the fans celebrate at the end was class. I was loving it. All the boys embraced the support.
“At Hampden when we are in front, it’s always a special atmosphere. The boys deserved that.”