SHAUN MALONEY has claimed that re-signing Fraser Forster is the key to winning 10-in-a-row. The current Assistant Manager of Belgium started his career in Glasgow before moving to Aston Villa in 2007. After just a year, Maloney returned to Celtic and spent another three years before leaving after playing just four games of the 2011/12 campaign, the first title in the run of the current 9-in-a-row.

Maloney told PLZ Soccer that he believes that his former teammate Forster could make a huge difference if Neil Lennon resigns the 32-year-old, especially if Rangers mount a strong challenge.

“For sure, Rangers are going to come back with a challenge again. I think watching the derby before New Year, and the League Cup final, when I thought Rangers were very good, we all expected a really strong challenge.

“Although Celtic have been so dominant for so long they’ll still look to try to improve the squad.

“Signing Fraser, was huge. He was just an enormous presence – and in big games, against Lazio and in the Rangers cup final. So, if they can get him back it would be a huge signing.

“(The price) seems to be an issue. But I’m really hopeful they can bring him back.”

Forster has been training with Celtic this week as the club begin the preparations for next season. The on-loan Southampton ‘keeper enjoyed a spectacular return to form since returning ‘home’ to Celtic on loan from the south coast of England. However, any potential move will be jeopardised by the wages that Forster is contracted to at St Mary’s. Since he returned, he has proven himself to be Celtic’s number one and has made some incredible performances for Neil Lennon’s side as they target more domestic success.

Forster is on a reported £70k-a-week and whilst he can sit out the remainder of his contract on the periphery of first team affairs with the Saints – behind Gunn and McCarthy.