FRASER FORSTER is available again after the Southampton manager confirmed that Alex McCarthy had managed to fend off competition for the gloves for the upcoming season. Hassenhuttl said that either Forster or ex-Man City kid Angus Gunn would be loaned out and this news will be of interest to the Celtic support and the club itself.
Forster, who rejected the opportunity to come back earlier in the summer, could very well be interested in a move now. Sky Sports News’ Anthony Joseph confirmed on Twitter that Forster would be made available along with Gunn – with the other acting as deputy to McCarthy.
Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has confirmed that Alex McCarthy will remain the No1 Saints keeper despite Fraser Forster returning from his Celtic loan.
He added that Forster or Angus Gunn will be loaned out this season.
— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) September 10, 2020
Supporters were taken aback when Forster’s return to Celtic appeared to die out. However, if we take emotion out of the decision, Forster would still improve the team.
It is too early to judge Vasilis Barkas, a £4.5m arrival from AEK Athens. It would be totally unfair to write him off as a result. However, Neil Lennon knows and trusts Forster – he is a player that he has signed four times in his career (3 times on loan and 1 permanent). The Englishman is a big figure in the dressing room and Lennon will know that mentality is key this year.
I dare say that Lennon should look to Steven Gerrard’s example in signing Jon McLaughlin as evidence that having two first team keepers can work. It increases competition and also gives you an option to fall back on should something go wrong. The likely scenario is a game split between the goalies, whereby one plays in cups and the other in the league.
In terms of performance, Barkas was posted missing for Ferencvaros’ second goal but aside from that there is little to be critical of as he has barely had anything to do since joining the club. The reverse of this is that we all know what Forster is capable of – Lazio, Hampden versus Rangers and countless other big moments and the goalie has been there, an impenetrable block.
Neil Lennon will be left with a huge dilemma if Forster’s representatives put feelers out again, the tried and tested quality of Forster albeit one that rejected a move earlier or the £4.5m man who is yet to prove himself at the club. It is a tough one.
