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Scotland match-winner James Forrest lauds “unbelievable” feeling as his hat-trick downs Israel in crucial Nations League qualifier

James Forrest's treble helped Scotland to victory over Israel.
James Forrest's treble helped Scotland to victory over Israel.

Scotland’s match-winner James Forrest hailed his first hat-trick for the national team as an unbelievable experience as Alex McLeish’s side squeaked past Israel 3-2.

Victory over the Israelis ensured Scotland won Nations League Group C1 and in the process, earn a play-offs spot for the Euro 2020.

Celtic winger Forrest continued his electric form, following his brace against Albania with a treble last night. Beram Kayal gave the visitors the lead before Forrest’s purple patch and, even though Eran Zahavi’s 75th-minute strike created a few nervy moments, Forrest still proved decisive.

He said: “We got a setback from going behind but it shows the character of the boys to come back. Scoring my first goals for Scotland on Saturday and now my first goals for Scotland at Hampden – I’m absolutely delighted.

“Scoring a hat-trick is unbelievable and I just want to keep working hard, playing for Scotland and get as many caps as I can. It’s crazy how it can change.

“At 3-1 we had a couple of chances to make it four. The last 10 minutes the boys were tired but everyone dug in and Allan McGregor made a tremendous save.

“Scoring my first goals for Scotland are up there with some of the big nights for Celtic and tonight is definitely on par. It’s just the start of this campaign but we’ve topped the group and can look forward now.”

Topping the group means that – even if Scotland fail to finish in the top two qualification places in Euro 2020 qualifying, which commences in March – they are guaranteed a spot in the play-off round in March 2020.

It puts McLeish’s side 180 minutes away from ending a 20-plus-year wait to feature at a major tournament, with the World Cup in France back in 1998 the last time the Scots have sampled such a contest.

Forrest added: “Folk spoke indifferently about the Nations League but it’s competitive and to top the group gives us confidence for the next qualifiers.”