Celtic great Davie Hay has claimed that Fraser Forster is a cut above any of the goalkeeping rivals he has at Parkhead.
Neil Lennon secured Forster during Celtic’s 2-0 first-leg Europa League playoff win over AIK. Since then, the Hoops shot-stopped has played against Hearts and Rangers respectively. Even at this early stage, he has a penalty save and a clean sheet at Ibrox to his name.
This also came after it looked like Craig Gordon had won his spot in the team back. Gordon featured against AIK in the Europa League over Scott Bain. But despite that, it’s looking more and more likely that the former £10million man (The Guardian) is Lennon’s first-choice.
And if he is, Hay is fully behind the decision too. Speaking in the Evening Times, Hay was full of praise for the big Englishman, and claims he’s on a different level.
“On the day (at Ibrox), the new recruits may just have shown they have what it takes to play for Celtic after all.
“In the case of Fraser Forster of course, that was no surprise. He may not have had a lot to do at Ibrox, but his presence is something that will settle the Celtic backline down.
“I am a fan of Craig Gordon, but I think that Forster is currently at a different level and he will add quality between the sticks. His quiet day at Ibrox though owed a lot to the men in front of him.”
Hay spot on with his assessment
Forster’s return may not have been every supporter’s first-choice. However, so far he can’t be faulted as he looks to get his match-sharpness back.
Before Forster’s second Celtic debut against Hearts, he hadn’t played a competitive game since April. That came in a 3-0 defeat at West Ham too. Forster needed this move just as much as Celtic needed him.
But it’s been fascinating to see just how confident the back-line performed at Ibrox with the loan-star in between the sticks. He inspires confidence throughout the defence, and there’s clear trust between him and his back-line.
Gordon, of course, can’t be faulted for his performances against AIK in the Europa League. However, if truth be told, Forster is still the better goalkeeper, and is likely to be the permanent number one. Hay is spot on to say he operates at a different level.
It’s even more worrying for former number one Scott Bain. He hasn’t been seen since the Cluj debacle at Celtic Park. When all three goalkeepers are fit, it would be surprising if Bain even made match-day squads from now on.
In any case, it’s going to be extremely difficult for Bain or Gordon to displace Forster. Lennon has a great relationship with the English stopper, and it’s clear he has plenty of trust in him too.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
