Celtic legend Kenny Dalglish has hailed the impact of Fraser Forster at the Hoops since signing on loan last summer, writing in his Sunday Post column (23/02 print edition, Post Match supplement page 11).
Forster produced another massive save in his Hoops career on Thursday night with an exceptional penalty save that allowed Neil Lennon’s side to leave Copenhagen with a draw in the Europa League.
The Englishman’s contribution was just the latest in a string of heroic moments from the on-loan goalkeeper this summer, saving his best form for matches against Lazio and Rangers.
Now Dalglish thinks Forster has set the Bhoys up for a potential last 16 tie against Rangers, feeling both clubs have a good chance of going into the same draw and facing each other.
As quoted by The Sunday Post (23/02 print edition, Post Match supplement page 11), he said: “Next Friday’s draw has no seeding nor any restriction on teams from the same country being drawn together.
“So I’m allowing my mind to float away for a second, and the thought if it almost takes the breath away.”
Dalglish would then go on to laud Lennon’s summer signing, telling the paper: “The Danes were much more of a threat after the interval and they pinned Neil Lennon’s men back. They equalised, and were then denied a winner when Fraser Forster saved Jens Stage’s penalty.
“It was yet another brilliant, and important, save from the big Englishman.
“What a signing he has turned out to be.”
What does the future hold?
Conceding just 22 goals in 34 appearances, while helping to keep 15 clean sheets in the process, it’s fair to say that Forster has played a massive role in Celtic’s success so far this season (Transfermarkt).
Everyone knew how good he was after his first spell at the club but having been on the fringes of the Southampton squad for so long, it took foresight from Lennon and his coaching staff to see that he could come back and make such a big impact.
Forster and Celtic just seem to go together hand in hand it’d be a crying shame if his loan spell could not be turned into a permanent signing this summer.
Obviously financial details and realities stand in the way of that but Forster hopefully sees his future is best served staying at Celtic Park.
From the club’s side, there should be no hesitation in striking a deal. He’s the kind of difference-maker we need to win more trophies and progress in Europe, as he’s proven already.
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