Forster, Fraser

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Personal

Fullname: Fraser Gerard Forster
aka: Fraser Forster, The Green Giant, The Great Wall (‘La Grand Muralla’)
Born: 17 March 1988
Birthplace: Hexham, England
Position: Goalkeeper
Signed (1st Stint): 24 August 2010 (1 year loan); 1 August 2011 (rolled on extra 1 year loan); 29 June 2012 (permanent, £2m from Newcastle)
Left (1st Stint): 10 August 2014 (£10m to Southampton)
Debut (1st Stint): Motherwell 0-1 Celtic, League, 29 Aug 2010
Squad No (1st Stint): 1
Signed (2nd Stint): 22 August 2019 (loan from Southampton 1yr)
Left (2nd Stint): 30 June 2020
Debut (2nd Stint): Celtic 3-1 Hearts, SP, 25 Aug 2019
Squad No (2nd Stint): 67
Internationals: England
International Caps: 6

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Biog

“I am a Celtic supporter for life and will be cheering the club on in everything they do.” Fraser Forster (2014)

Highly rated young keeper Fraser Forster first arrived at Celtic on a loan deal from Newcastle United in the summer of 2010, and it was to be the move that made his career.

Although regarded as third choice keeper at St James Park the Hexham-born player had earned himself a reputation as a top prospect following a hugely successful loan spell under former Celt Paul Lambert at Norwich City during season 2009/10 who regarded him as the best young goalkeeper he’d seen. At Carrow Road Forster had played an key part in helping the Canaries to the League One title and Lambert was eager to retain his service for the club’s return to the Championship.

Standing at 6ft 7ins, Forster’s superb performances for Norwich had caught the eye of several would-be suitors, among them Celtic, who now included in their backroom team Alan Thompson who had been a youth team coach at Newcastle.

The Bhoys had recently lost the highly popular Artur Boruc to Fiorentina and new Hoops boss Neil Lennon appeared unconvinced by Lukasz Zaluska who had taken over as first-choice stopper. Keen to bring in a new No.1, Lennon was linked with a move for the seasoned England international David James who eventually opted for a switch from Portsmouth to Bristol City (much to our good luck).

However on 24 August 2010 the keeper hunt was over when Forster joined the Hoops initially on a loan deal with later fanfare, and with some whinging as usual of the board taking the cheap short term option.

Forster made his Celtic debut on 29 August 2010 away at Motherwell and kept a clean sheet as the Bhoys triumphed 1–0, and it was to be something that marked out his time at Celtic.

The young Englishman – the tallest player in the SPL – impressed from the off and comfortably retained his starting spot throughout the remainder of the campaign. A superb shot-stopper Forster had perhaps been guilty of the odd positional error, but for the most part he gave the Hoops fans little cause for concern. He was developing and learning, and was ambitious enough.

A red card in a 2-2 Scottish Cup draw at Ibrox in February was a slight blemish on his record but overall he kept errors to a minimum. At such a young age he was to continue to develop and all were sure that the Scottish Cup he collected in May would be first of many major honours in his career.

The Celtic actually thought Celtic had lost him back to Newcastle who were not willing to hand him back or sell him, but after persistence, Lennon & his team coaxed Newcastle into loaning him back to the club for another year with an option to purchase at the end for just £2m. Very welcome back he was too.

The big turning point many would say for Forster came in Dec 2011 v Hearts. Celtic were going through a reasonable patch and Forster was in fine form. Leading one nil with just one minute to, Celtic conceded a needless but disputed penalty. It looked like unnecessarily dropped points, but then Forster brilliantly saved the penalty, our first penalty save since 2008. Finally all rose to pay him the respect he was due and the attention he deserved from the support. It wasn’t to be his last and saved a number of penalties in his time at Celtic. He was a valuable asset.

Fraser Forster gave probably his first blinding performance only a few days later. Playing away to Udinese, little was thought possible for Celtic. Celtic came away with a 1-1 draw which while not enough to put the team through to the next round but gave the squad a big morale boost. This knock-out was in no way in part due to Fraser Forster. He was exceptional with some excellent shop stops from Italian golden boy Di Natale, and even a double stop at one time. Great reflexes and attention from him. He deserved all the plaudits as all stood to applaud him for his performance that night.

Add to that a week or two later, where he saved a certain goal by Rangers by clearing the ball from the line, he was becoming a bit of a hero. Cracking performances by the man and the season 2011/12 saw him cement the no.1 jersey permanently for himself and the crowd loved him, and finally recognised the gem that the club had brought up.

After such a huge improvement in his form there were large concern that he would leave the club. The problem was that he had hoped for a chance with the England national side. Taking in how poor they were and the lack in depth they had in practically every position, surely Forster was up in the running. Pathetically he wasn’t picked or really considered for the squad for Euro 2012 (where England performed poorly).

Forster was thought to wish to move south to increase his chances, but thankfully opted to stay at Celtic much to the relief of a very thankful Celtic support, signing on for £2m on 29 June 2012. Our great gain and Newcastle’s loss as became quite clear as Forster’s performances were to show with the universal praise along with it. In time, the Newcastle fans were to complain vociferously of how the club could have let go of such a talent even though at the time they laughed at him.

At home he was peerless, but despite being overlooked foolishly at the international level, he was to be given the exposure he deserved in the Champions League and he proved himself beyound doubt. His performance v Barcelona in the two matches in the 2013/14 season, were amongst the finest anywhere that season, pulling off some wonder saves. He was rightly rewarded with further praise and Spanish papers began rumours of a bid in for him from Barcelona. He was dubbed as ‘La Grande Muralla‘ (The Great Wall) by the Spanish Press in his honour.

Lionel Messi never forgot that performance and remarked a few years later highly on Fraser Forster:

“The performances of Fraser Forster against us were talked about for a long time. There was one game in Scotland where he was not human, it is the best goalkeeping performance I have seen. When Victor Valdes said he was leaving we even talked about him playing here. I was sure he would end up at Arsenal, Chelsea, or Manchester United.”

He was showing his best. He had quick reflexes, great bravery and was improving in marshalling the defence. Additionally, his kicking was improving which was something that in earlier seasons was a weakness.

In the league, he was the bulwark in the side that created a formidable record of clean sheets, breaking former Aberdeen keeper Bobby Clark’s 43-year-old record. If anything, the incredible run was only going to end with a bang, and that was duly delivered by (ironically) Aberdeen in Feb 2014 with a thunderbolt of a shot from outside the box. They duly scored twice to defeat Celtic 2-1. Fraser Forster’s clean-sheet run ends at 1,256 minutes, and a 27 game unbeaten run.

Overall, it was an inspiring and exceptional spell. Some critics may have tried to undermine it with the usual negative responses, but they were best laughed off. Forster saved Celtic often in matches, and his massive frame was an intimidating sight for any approaching striker.

The long dry spell for the defense admittedly was not due to one man alone, and the defensive unit in season 2012/13 will become one of the most celebrated Celtic have ever had. However, Forster was the lynchpin, and he had executed some exceptional saves in this spell that alone in any single game would be remembered. He had truly developed into a formidable goalkeeper, and one that could be labelled as world class (not that the England setup were paying him the due respect).

On a personal note, the England no.1 spot was a bugbear as that was a personal key aim. He’d achieved so much already with Celtic: medals, trophies, honorary place in UEFA Champions League team of the week multiple times and so on. The international spot was the missing piece, with the at times hapless Joe Hart in that role.

Finally he was awarded an England cap on 15th Nov 2013 in an England friendly v Chile. They lost two nil having fielded a mainly second string team, and pathetically Forster had to play behind a woeful defence. Yet he was given unwarranted flak by many of England’s Barmy Army supporters, it was pathetic. ‘The Times‘ newspaper and some other more respected analysts though gave him a glowing report, so much respect to them.

He was finally ‘rewarded’ as part of the England squad that went to Brazil for the World Cup in 2014. Yet despite a pathetic campaign the England management did not play Forster. He deserved a game, it was a disgrace that he was sidelined.

As a person, he never created any problems off field, and if you ever see the pictures of Forster with the celebrated Thai Tims, you’ll see just what a top guy he was. The kids loved him and vice versa, and he was a great role model for all.

Sadly, his last competitive matches were the humiliating 6-1 aggregate defeat games in the Champions League 3rd round to Legia Warsaw. Granted, the second match score was reversed and Celtic won on the away goals rule (4-4). Forster conceded many goals but he wasn’t wholly responsible, and he actually saved a penalty in the first match. He deserved to sign off with a better scoreline and moment to say farewell. A terrific footballer who developed strongly at the club, and one that we hope all will learn to replicate.

He moved to Southampton after four years at Celtic for £10m. A level we all believed was below his full value. Breaking into the bloated arrogant mega-clubs is not an easy move, but we all knew he could make it in time.

A great Celtic player, and one of the finest goalkeepers Celtic have ever had. It’s a mark of pride that we saw him develop from a junior to a great success at Celtic. We believed in him, and he repaid the club all back in full on the pitch.

Fraser Foster: “I am a Celtic supporter for life and will be cheering the club on in everything they do.”
We wished him all the best.

Southampton Playing Career

His time at Southampton was mixed. He was a regular for a few years, punctuated by a loss of time due to a knee injury. During that time he made a great contribution to the side with plenty of plaudits, and went on to win a handful of caps. However, his form slipped and after a poor match v Tottenham Hotspur in December 2017, he was relegated in the pecking order.

Pathetically, Southampton put him up for sale in July 2018 on the same day that England were to play Croatia in the World Cup semi-finals in Russia. Taking in that Forster, give or take a few changes in circumstances, could have or should have been one of the squad members (and even the no.1 England goalkeeper), then this was a major blow & a bit of an insult. You could argue it was done to time to hide the announcement. His many supporters would have very much sympathised with him, and he deserved better.

He was touted by the best only a couple of years earlier, and now his current treatment by his club was cold-hearted & poor.

Celtic Second Stint
With Celtic faltering at the start of the 2019/20 season, and Lennon having returned as manager, Fraser Forster was drafted back to Celtic as a loan goalkeeper in August 2019. Admittedly now older, greyer and potentially not to be on a par with his heyday, but he was admired & respected at Celtic by all, and the defensive side of the squad needed bolstering.

He had some rusty performances early on, but he finally came to the fore in the 2-1 win v Lazio in the Europa League with two world class saves which even the opposition manager was bemoaning as liable for their defeat. The following day his parent club Southampton lost by a record 9-0 to Leicester (the victors managed by ex-Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers). Karma was cruel for Southampton.

It was revealed in October 2019 that unknown to many that Fraser Forster suffered with mental health issues that coincided with his steep decline in form at Southampton. Something which many often think footballers are immune from, but we are thankful that back at Celtic he had been able to overcome the issues. Further discussion is best left for a more appropriate forum.

He was honest in what the great moments meant to him:

“The 18 months I’ve had & the low points I’ve gone through, to have a moment like that was special. The fans at the end. I can’t put it into words. I could bawl my eyes out”.

He stunned everyone with what could only be described as a near perfect performance v TheRangers in the 1-0 victory in the League cup final in December 2019. He saved point blank shots, headers and a penalty, and this was even when Celtic were a man down after losing the best performing outfield Celtic player that day to a red card. If anyone questioned Forster you had to just see the joy in his face after Celtic scored at the death v Hamilton a few days earlier, running the length of the pitch to join in with the celebrations in a welcome win.

He was a major performer over the season, providing confidence and consistency. He was simply a bulwark to the success of the club that season as Celtic went on to seal the league club and on the way to the coveted nine-in-a-row. The Coronavirus pandemic hit in March 2020, and curtailed the league season with Celtic. Celtic were heading towards the treble for an unprecedented fourth time in a row.

As the summer began, all hoped that he would convert his loan into a permanent deal, with reports that a transfer fee had been agreed between the clubs in the summer of 2020. However, the problem is that Forster was earning around 3-4 times as much in England sitting on the bench than he was in Scotland, and moving permanently would have ben a big hit financially. There are two sides to each story, and in fairness it was asking a lot especially as after his fine form back at Celtic other clubs were picking up interest in him with the high wages on offer. As he was on paper at the tail-end of his best best years, it’s a time to take what best you can for the future, and disappointing it was that he didn’t return permanently to Celtic. It was economically understandable. He’d achieved so much with Celtic and helped the club forward, and in England he’s still much to try to achieve at least for himself.

We wished him the very best.

As Celtic slumped and collapsed in the failed challenge to attain ten league titles in a row, many were wondering if the club should have broken the piggy banks to have retained Forster, especially as his successfor was a major disaster.  Ironically, his old challenger for the England no.1 spot (Joe Hart) was to in time join Celtic.

As for Forster, he was mostly second fiddle at Southampton but left on a free transfer to become second fiddle at Spurs. A good move, as whilst Southampton were to be fighting off relegation, Forster became the Spurs no.1 after their main goalkeeper was injured. He was to play both domestically & in the Champion’s League knock-out stages with Spurs., helping them to push the club towards a potential Champions League place.

A funny note,  Fraser Forster was booed in a pre-season match after he came on for his Tottenham debut by hostile Sevco fans at Ibrox who clearly still held a grudge over him. Players in these matches likely enjoy the pantomime villain role! Spurs won 2-1.

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Playing Career

Honours with Celtic

Scottish League

• 2011-12, 2012-13, 2013-14, 2019-20

Scottish Cup

• 2010-11, 2012-13, 2019-20

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Quotes

“Their keeper is an excellent player. After the first game I thought maybe he’d just had a good game. But now it’s clear to me he’s special.”
Barcelona’s Pedro Rodríguez after Forster’s incredible display v Barcelona, in Celtic’s 2-1 win (Nov 2012)

“Until you see Celtic in person and see how big a club it is, people maybe don’t understand”.
Fraser Forster (2012)

“I am a Celtic supporter for life and will be cheering the club on in everything they do.”
Fraser Forster on his last day at Celtic (2014)

“The games against Celtic were special and I want to remember them. The performances of Fraser Forster against us were talked about for a long time. There was one game in Scotland where he was not human, it is the best goalkeeping performance I have seen. When Victor Valdes said he was leaving we even talked about him playing here. I was sure he would end up at Arsenal, Chelsea, or Manchester United.”
Messi looking back on Celtic’s 2-1 win in 2012 (Apr 2015)

“The 18 months I’ve had & the low points I’ve gone through, to have a moment like that was special. The fans at the end. I can’t put it into words. I could bawl my eyes out.”

“I wanted to go somewhere where I felt wanted. I’ve not had that for a long time. To come back to a club like this is fantastic, so I’d never say no to this club. But it’s early doors and a lot of it is out of my hands. We’ll just have to wait and see.”
Fraser Forster (2020)

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Pictures

• Player Pics

KDS

• Signs on loan (2011)
• Forster Thread (2011 onwards)
• Leaves Celtic (2014)

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Articles

Celtic in safe hands: Fraser Forster won a title and a player of the year award during his last spell on loan

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Celtic’s Fraser Forster can command a fee if he can learn to command his box

Richard Wilson
The Herald

One penalty save will not eradicate all of the doubts, but the sudden acclaim of Fraser Forster at the end of last Saturday’s victory over Hearts seemed a reflection of his growing worth.

He was a goalkeeper in need of appreciation, at least from the broad extent of the Celtic support, and his reaction to securing the 1-0 win was a surge of emotion. Forster roared, as if liberated.

In his second season at Parkhead, and in the fifth loan spell of his career, he is seeking stability. There is a clause in the agreement between his parent club, Newcastle United, and Celtic that allows this current move to be made permanent for a £2m fee. Having had a £1.5m offer rejected last summer, and watched his development continue, Celtic might now consider that the price offers value for money.

At 23, there will still be moments of rashness from Forster, and he remains reluctant to use his broad 6ft 7in frame to dominate his area. Opposition strikers do not cower from him, but he is a capable shot stopper, as his penalty save from Eggert Jonsson last Saturday proved. There was also an act of devilment, since he protested at the positioning of the ball on the penalty spot, and so applied some extra psychological pressure to the Hearts midfielder.

This element of his game, a brash authority, continues to be mostly absent, though. Forster needs to be the dominant figure in Celtic’s defence, imposing his command on the back four. When Neil Lennon was asked to identify the best goalkeeper he played alongside, he immediately responded, “Artur Boruc”. The Pole was a compelling mix of arrogance, brawn, assurance and talent, who was also quick to lambast any team-mates who made a mistake in defence. “I like a goalkeeper to dominate his back four and take great delight in getting after them to keep them on their toes,” Lennon explained.

Forster kept 24 clean sheets last season, a record, and four in his last five games. Yet he is not an imposing presence, even if physically he towers over players. The domineering attitude will come with age, and what best serves the goalkeeper in his formative years is a strong mentality. Despite a mix-up with Cha Du-Ri that led to Rennes scoring in France last October, Forster went on to make several impressive saves in the game. He will commit further errors as he develops and, particularly at a high-profile club such as Celtic, where success is measured in trophies won, he cannot succumb to any self-doubt.

“As long as it’s the occasional mistake, but that’s the case with Fraser,” says Bryan Gunn, the former Aberdeen and Norwich City goalkeeper who watched Forster closely during his loan spell at Carrow Road. “Fraser’s done very well at recovering and that’s the attribute that all the top goalkeepers have. You get on to the next part of the game and wipe it away from your memory. At Norwich he was fantastic and some of the saves he made helped them win the league. When John Ruddy took over the following season, he found it difficult because Fraser had set such high standards.”

With his height and the long reach of his limbs, Forster can seem ungainly. Following Celtic’s 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Europa League two weeks ago, the goalkeeper was described in the Spanish press as having “the grace of an elephant”. The depiction was cruel, since Forster can move swiftly for such a tall figure, but there remains a separation between perceptions of him and his true potential.

After Forster’s season-long loan at Norwich, Paul Lambert identified him as the best young goalkeeper he had seen in his career, claimed that he would be “world class” and could one day play for England. The plaudits were generous after a campaign in League One, but there is time enough for Forster to prove the observations authentic. The penalty save from Jonsson will renew his confidence, and Lennon already detected a more aggressive, formidable attitude in the goalkeeper’s display at Celtic Park.

“It’s a confidence position and the more times that you come off the pitch having kept a clean sheet and made important saves, receiving plaudits from sponsors and the press, the more confident you become,” says Gunn. “That makes you play better and as a young goalkeeper, Fraser will be inspired on to bigger and better things. He’s got the physical attributes, an excellent build, and maybe there’s a bit of youthfulness there. He’s still learning his trade. It’s a great experience for him as a young goalkeeper, playing at a high level with Celtic. Fraser needs to decide now where his future lies. He’s done very well in his time at Celtic and he’ll need to think about his career and what his next move will be.”

Forster wants his next move to be permanent, so that he can settle down and establish roots somewhere. If his preference might have been Newcastle, having grown up in Hexham as a supporter of the club, he has not played a single competitive first-team game during his six years at St James’ Park. It is at Celtic that Forster is fulfilling his potential, and it would suit both the player and the club to extend their relationship.

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Boss cares about me.. that’s why I knew I’d be staying put at Celts

Fraser Forster talks to Derek McGregor
The Sun
2 July 2012

In safe hands … Forster loves working with his boss Lennon and wants to repay his faith in him now he is a real Celtic player

Kenneth Ramsay

NEIL LENNON just wouldn’t let go. That, more than anything, is the reason Fraser Forster didn’t either.

Scottish Sun Sport

His decision to sign a four-year deal to become permanent Celtic keeper ended a summer saga.

Craig Gordon and Paul Robinson were two of the big names linked with moves to Parkhead as Forster’s agent Mark Curtis dragged out negotiations.

But, deep down, two season loanee Forster had already set his heart on completing a £2million switch from boyhood heroes Newcastle United.

He has fallen in love with everything about Celtic and winning the SPL title last season gave him the most satisfaction of his career so far.

But, just as critical, has been the belief in him from boss Lennon.

He never eased up on his dogged pursuit of Forster’s signature on a long-term agreement.

And Lennon eventually got his reward.

Forster — back at Lennoxtown for pre-season training today — told SunSport: “The manager’s faith in me means a lot.

“I’ve loved my two seasons at Celtic and he’s done so much for my confidence.

“He gave me my chance at Celtic and has stood by me ever since.

“It’s just about me repaying him now. The manager and goalkeeping coach Steve Woods were in constant touch with me throughout the close season, NEVER easing up on the contract situation!

“I actually think me and Woodsy have spoken on the phone just about every day since the season ended. It’s a wonder we’re not sick of each other!

“But, seriously, they could not have been better with me. It’s a great feeling to know you’re wanted so much.

“I’ve spoken to the gaffer probably every three or four days during the holidays — and he’s never left any doubt about his desire for me to sign up.

“I ALWAYS wanted to stay — but even if I hadn’t I don’t think the manager would’ve allowed me to go anywhere else!

“He’s never eased up the pressure — and I can only thank him for that.

“His belief in me is fantastic and I just want to do as well as I can for him and the club.

“The faith of the manager, and the coaching from Woodsy, were among the main reasons I wanted to stay at Celtic.”

Coach Woods has earned himself a reputation as one of the best in his field.

He is also one of Lennon’s most trusted assistants and Forster’s regard for him could not be greater.

In his first season working with Woods he produced 24 clean sheets in 44 games. Last season it was 25 in 46.

Forster said: “Woodsy’s been phenomenal for me. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with him over the last two seasons.

“He’s added plenty to my game and he also constantly thinks of different things for training.

“He’s always challenging me to improve as a goalkeeper and that’s what you want.

“I’m ambitious. I want to be as good a goalkeeper as I can, and I know working with Woodsy can help me greatly with that.

“He’s just been brilliant. He’s also a great guy off the pitch and we’ve become close.

“Having a good relationship with the goalkeeping coach is massive.”

Woods has introduced yoga to Forster’s daily routine and the 6ft 7ins star said: “I think it’s helped improve me.

“Obviously, the actual goalkeeping work we do is the main part, but I think the yoga sessions have played a big part too.

“It can also help prolong my career.”

Forster is thrilled that when he sees his team-mates again, he will stand among them as a real-deal Celtic player.

Forster, who had been trailed by West Ham, QPR and Southampton, added: “After winning the league it was the right decision for me to come back to Celtic. The opportunity to play in the Champions League was something I couldn’t turn down. I’m excited about that.

“I was never tempted by other possibilities. There’s always speculation, but in my mind I felt I’d end up back at Celtic.

“I’m very happy that I’m going to be at Celtic for the next four years at least.

“We won the league last season and it’s important we aim to keep on improving, individually and collectively.”

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Forster: After the 18 months I had I will never be able to put into words how good that (Lazio) felt

Date: 3rd November 2019 at 7:50pm
Written by: Joe McHugh
https://videocelts.com/2019/11/blogs/latest-news/forster-after-the-18-months-i-had-i-will-never-be-able-to-put-into-words-how-good-that-lazio-felt/
On the surface his career could hardly be in a better place right now but Fraser Forster is carrying a few issues.

A year ago, Southampton were losing 6-1 at Manchester City with Alex McCarthy in goals and Angus Gunn on the bench. The same duo was in place yesterday with McCarthy back in favour after Gunn lost nine goals at home to Leicester City.

Forster was Southampton’s first choice keeper during the 2017/18 season right up until a 5-2 defeat to Spurs on December 26. After that he made just one more EPL appearance with £10m paid for Gunn as the giant Geordie dropped from being third choice keeper for England at the 2014 World Cup to third choice keeper at Southampton.

Mauricio Pelligrini was the manager at the time, Mark Hughes followed him before Ralph Hasenhuttl took charge with Forster firmly off the menu.
ADVERTISING

Throughout a career that has taken him to the heights of European football and international recognition the big keeper has been nothing but a model professional, happier on the training ground than in the headlines and spotlight.

After more than 18 months bereft of playing time the breakthrough came with a move to Celtic, in his second match he kept a clean sheet in the Glasgow derby at Ibrox and it seemed just like the old days again.

Yesterday it was a Betfred Cup semi-final, on Thursday it’s a Europa League tie against Lazio with Forster back in the firing line and appreciating every minute.

I got to speak to him at Hampden yesterday, while enjoying the return to action there was a recurring feeling of frustration at lost time in his career. He’ll discuss that in his own time but as he enjoys being back in action, doing his job again there is clearly a sense of hurt over whatever went on at Southampton.

Joe McHugh: Somehow the League Cup evaded you first time around, you’ll be looking to put that right?

Fraser Forster: It would mean the world to me. When you come here you are expected to do well and win trophies. I’m enjoying every game; it would be good to add a League Cup to the collection but that’s on the back burner because we have a lot of important matches coming up.

JM: Where was your career a year ago?

FF: Obviously I wasn’t playing, I was frustrated. I didn’t know what was going on, a lot of other people didn’t know what was going on. It’s been and gone, I’m here at Celtic and trying to make the most of it.

JM: Confidence is so important in sport; how did you retain your confidence?

FF: I always had a belief in my quality and what I had to offer. I never doubted my quality. I went in every day to do my best in training.

I just concentrated on what I could control, I went in, I knew what was going on behind the scenes. I’ve said that when the time is right, the situations I was put in, the stuff I had to do, I will speak about that when I want to speak about it.

I just put my head down, worked harder than ever, concentrated on what I could offer, trained as hard as I could and tried to be good around the lads, that’s all I could do.

JM: Were there other options apart from Celtic in the summer?

FF: There was a bit of interest during the summer but as soon as there was a sniff of interest from Celtic, I was desperate for it to happen.

JM: When did you hear of Celtic’s interest?

FF: There are two very good keepers here, it all happened very quickly in the end after Scott Bain got injured, as soon as I got a sniff about that I was desperate to get back and do whatever to make it happen.

I was in the car within 10 seconds of hearing from Celtic, straight up the motorway, it was a no-brainer for me. After the year I had last year I just wanted to go somewhere that I felt the love. That was the big thing for me, I just wanted to go somewhere that I was wanted and that was it. I couldn’t wait to get back, it was a fantastic club with amazing people, I couldn’t wait to get back and be a part of it.

JM Did the Lazio match have similarities to the Barcelona game in 2012?

FF What was nice about the Lazio game, I’d never compare it to any other, was the way that the lads played to get the win. People talk about money and whatever in football but the feeling after the Lazio game is why we are in it, why we play football. Given the 18 months that I’d had before that as well, I’ll never be able to put it into words how good that felt. It was nice.

All the best to Fraser in Rome and the remainder of his stay with Celtic

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