Celtic winger James Forrest has told returning teammate Patrick Roberts that he will have a fight on his hands to get into the starting line-up, after the Scot started the season in scintillating form.

Forrest has joined up with the Scotland squad for the double-header against Lithuania and Malta fresh from helping Celtic into the group stages of the Champions League for the second year in succession.

His goals against Rosenborg away in particular and Astana at home were key to his club’s progression through their tricky qualifiers, with the winger feeling that he is in the form of his life.

Read more: Kris Commons: Patrick Roberts can be the "main man" for Celtic in the Champions League

Glasgow Times: Jersey Bhoy: James Forrest doesn't want to lose his starting spot on the right of the Celtic attack.

And while he welcomed the return of Roberts to Glasgow, he isn’t about to give up his berth on the right of the Celtic attack without an almighty scrap.

“I’m looking forward to him coming back,” said Forrest. “He was there for 18 months before, and there’s been talk about him coming back all summer.

“It will be good competition for the squad. It’s up to the manager, but I want to keep playing. I’ve played all the games so far since the start of the season, and we’ve been doing well getting into the Champions League.

“I just want to continue that. I’m in good form, I’m confident and we’re winning games.

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“Last season was definitely my best season, it was the season I’ve enjoyed most and I’ve started off the same this season, so I just want to keep going, keep confident and stay positive.”

Forrest’s confidence is sky-high at the moment, and he is certain that he can replicate his fine domestic form to benefit Scotland in the international arena over the weekend.

“It’s been a good couple of months since coming back into pre-season,” he said.

“I’ve had a lot of games, but it’s been good for the Celtic boys and obviously getting into the Champions League has been a massive bonus.

“I feel confident coming here with the way I’ve been playing for Celtic, and we’ve been winning consistently as well, so I’m feeling good.”

Another man who is never short of self-belief is Forrest’s teammate at club and international level, striker Leigh Griffiths.

Read more: Patrick Roberts delighted to get back to work with Brendan Rodgers

His brace against England has only strengthened his belief that he can cut it with his country, which never wavered despite those goals being his first in his 13 appearances for the national side.

And Forrest has backed his friend to pick up from where he left off at Hampden in June against the Lithuanians on Friday evening in Vilnius.

“He’s always confident, and he always thinks he will score goals,” said Forrest.

“He scored two great free-kicks against England and he’s come back flying for Celtic as well, so I’m sure that’s a big boost for Scotland too.”