Celtic were expected to go past Copenhagen, but the Danish side showed good heart and courage in the second half to earn a 1-1 draw after being thoroughly outplayed in the first half. Copenhagen could have even nicked the game in the end if not for Fraser Forster’s save from the penalty spot.
Forster has continued to impress in Celtic colours, and there is no doubt to us that Celtic must look at getting him permanently in the summer. Former Aberdeen and Leeds United ace Noel Whelan recently talked about his impact and believed that his presence could make the difference at the end of the season.
Whelan sees Forster as the difference-maker
Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan said, “You see that as a win, really, when you get a 1-1 away from home. That’s a huge result. It’s always difficult going away from home and travelling, but they’ll feel like they’ve done their job – and Fraser Forster, again, he just goes to show why he’s such a good player. He’s a great goalkeeper. I think Celtic have done amazingly well to get hold of him, and he might be the big difference come the end of the season.”
It wouldn’t be wrong to say that Celtic’s League Cup win was almost single-handedly pulled off by Forster alone as he made a series of saves to thwart Rangers. Once again he stood tall when the team needed him the most in the Europa League. With performances like these, he could also come in the reckoning for England’s squad in the future.
Why should Celtic go for Forster?
Many might feel that playing as a goalkeeper in Celtic colours is easy as they barely get tested much in domestic games. However, the keeper needs to stay concentrated and pull off one or two crucial saves when required. Forster has done that brilliantly, and he has been nothing less than a brick wall in goal.
A report from the Telegraph had emerged last year that Southampton could demand as much as £20m for Forster. With that kind of price tag involved, we believe that Celtic would be very unlikely to sign him. Somewhere half that price and Celtic should look to get this deal done.
Forster can be a match-winner on his day, and he still has good years left in him. The defence line can also get huge confidence knowing they have a goalkeeper of Forster’s calibre in goal. Celtic should definitely look to get him permanently in the summer, but it remains to be seen what Southampton would do with him in the future.
