NEIL MCCANN has said that if Celtic cannot secure a deal for Fraser Forster, it would give Rangers a huge boost in the race for the Premiership title. Speaking to BBC Sport Scotland, McCann reckons that if Celtic cannot entice 32-year-old Forster back to the club, Steven Gerrard’s side would take a massive confidence boost as they look to stop 10-in-a-row.

“It’s the omission of Forster from that starting line-up that I think is absolutely huge,” McCann said.

“I look at the Rangers squad and it is virtually unchanged – not a lot of changes other than one or two additions.”

In what is a disrespectful dig at Celtic, who have won 11 out of a possible 11 trophies in the last few years whilst Gerrard’s side have been left empty handed and second best.

“Rangers are every bit as good as Celtic on their day and they have proved it.

“They have to find the longevity and stamina for a season and deal with the pressure, but I think the fans can create a lot of pressure and, if the fans are not there, it could help Rangers.”

The Englishman’s future is still up in the air but the club have moved to secure Barkas from AEK Athens instead. Forster was a standout performer as Celtic won 9-in-a-row with a number of solo performances proving his worth to the side.

Scott Bain is the club’s only senior goalkeeper and it would appear that when Hamilton Accies arrive at Celtic Park next weekend, Bain is likely to be the man between the sticks. McCann, who failed in management with Dundee, does make a good point that Forster is a huge miss.

Hopefully as Southampton’s season ends tomorrow, there will be more clarity about the future of Forster.