Fraser Forster starts for Southampton, a Celtic return is increasingly unlikely

Fraser Forster has been named in the Southampton team to play Liverpool tonight. The English goalkeeper has been deputising for Alex McCarthy this season but with the Saints No.1 having to isolate due to COVID-19, Forster has been given the nod.

Southampton make 3 changes which includes Fraser Forster’s 1st @SouthamptonFC app since May 2019. He has kept 4️⃣ clean sheets in his last 5️⃣ apps v Liverpool

Danny Ings needs 1 ⚽️ for his 5️⃣0️⃣th in the @premierleague pic.twitter.com/4duAODTH5R

— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) January 4, 2021

Celtic have been linked with Forster on a number of occasions since he decided against a return to Glasgow in the summer. Although with the 32-year-old having played no games since returning to Southampton, he may have been keen on a return to help aid the 10IAR push.

The player had all-but agreed to return to Celtic in the summer but decided against it on the promise that he may be a first team pick at St Marys under Hasenhuttl. However, with the news that he is starting today, Forster may fancy his chances in proving to Hasenhuttl that he is good enough to play week in, week out for the Premier League outfit.

Celtic have played three goalies since Forster left. Two players that trained with Forster last season – Scott Bain and Conor Hazard become a makeshift No.1s, replacing Vasilis Barkas who was meant to be the like-for-like replacement. The £4.5m arrival from AEK Athens was billed as Fraser Forster’s replacement but Barkas hasn’t settled at the club. He has struggled to make any positive impression and criticism has been planted at his door.

Lennon’s comments that he is content with the current makeup of his squad is giving them the backing going into the transfer window; however, he says that he is reviewing the options of potential incomings. Lennon decided to back Barkas with a start against Dundee United and Rangers but in both instances, he had little to do so still hasn’t really impressed.

A move for Forster would be incredible for Celtic now, although it does look increasingly unlikely.