James Forrest ruled out of Scotland’s World Cup qualifiers

Celtic youngester James Forrest has been ruled out of Scotland’s World Cup qualification double-header with Wales and Serbia.

The winger has a back injury and will see a specialist on Tuesday for a full diagnosis.

It’s a blow for national boss Gordon Strachan as he gears up for his first competitive game in charge against the Welsh on Friday night.

Celtic boss Neil Lennon is also hoping Forrest wont be out too long.

“James will miss the Scotland games.

“He may need an injection in his back but we’re hoping he will not require surgery. It’s a huge loss for us and also very disappointing for the boy,” said Lennon.

“James has had injuries on and off all season and it has been frustrating for us all because he is a special talent.

“I think part of it is the fact he’s still growing. Once he fully matures physically, hopefully it will all settle down.”

Keeper Fraser Forster also has a groin injury but he will report for England duty today and is expected to be fit enough to stay in Roy Hodgson’s squad.

Forster was at fault for two goals yesterday as Aberdeen stunned Celtic by taking a 3-1 lead at Parkhead in the SPL.

Lennon’s side mounted a stunning comeback to win 4-3 as sub Georgios Samaras scored an injury-time winner.

The Hoops boss blasted his players last week after a last-gasp goal sent them spinning to defeat at Ross County, but this time he was full of praise for their character.

“The lads have been criticised for complacency and not showing enough desire. Well, they showed desire and fight to win this game. It was a fantastic comeback.

“Yes, we have problems defensively and we need to sort that out. In the previous two seasons we’ve been solid at the back as the goals against column showed.

“I don’t detect a lack of confidence but maybe we’ve missed the experience of Daniel Majstorovic and Glenn Loovens sometimes.

“But I expect my quality players to eradicate their mistakes. It’s an area we’ll look to improve on between now and the end of the season.

“On a positive note, Kris Commons was our best player by a mile. All of our good things came through him. He has dynamite in both feet.

“Georgios Samaras also scored a special goal. But then he is a special player.

“We debated about starting him but thought he might make an impact off the bench.”

Hero Samaras hailed the win as the most dramatic of his five-year Hoops career, saying: “It was a great goal. It was something special and gave me a special feeling. It was very emotional.

“We showed great character to come back from 3-1 down.

“It was a really difficult game and it’s the most exciting victory we’ve had in my time here. I recall Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink scored late on against Aberdeen a few years ago and that felt similar to today.”