Some Celtic fans are absolutely shocked that Southampton allowed Fraser Forster to leave the club on a loan deal this past summer.
The Hoops fans have every reason to rave about Forster. In the League Cup final on Sunday, the former England international saved an Alfredo Morelos penalty in the second half, as a Christopher Jullien penalty saw them win the game 1-0 (BBC).
While there was controversy about Jullien’s goal, as many thought it was offside. But the goal was given by the referees and the Hoops won their 19th League Cup title and it was Neil Lennon’s first.
Celtic fans: Should the Hoops sign Forster permanently?
He's done enough for that
Needs more time
Some Hoops fans can’t believe how Southampton allowed Forster to leave the club in the summer.
Can’t understand how Forster couldn’t get a game for Southampton, what a performance. What a keeper.
— Andrew (@Jimmythehamster) December 8, 2019
Hope Southampton didn’t watch The Forster Final! #hailhail
— Jim McLaughlin (@jimtim45) December 8, 2019
How can Southampton not rate forster??
— dylan (@dylanjd14) December 8, 2019
Celtic need to do everything to keep Forster the guy is incredible, how Southampton have let him go on loan is a terrible decision
— Dean Shaw (@DShaw_1) December 8, 2019
How does Fraser Forster not get a game for Southampton….
— Wiff. (@JordanWiffin97) December 8, 2019
Who’s keeping Forster out the Southampton team? Superman?
— Here And There (@Wooden_Cyclist1) December 8, 2019
Forster joined the Hoops on loan from the St Mary’s based side this past summer after he had fallen out of favour in the South of England. Angus Gunn had become the club’s regular first-choice under Ralph Hasenhuttl, although Alex McCarthy appears to have taken the role over recently (WhoScored).
This season, Forster has played 20 times in all competitions for the club. He has played 13 times in the Premiership, keeping seven clean sheets under Neil Lennon and conceding as many goals for the club.
Last season, Forster played just once in the Premier League for the Saints. He was also relegated to playing with the Under-23s last season, playing three times in the Premier League 2 for the side.
This ongoing spell is Forster’s second at Parkhead. He had joined Southampton from Celtic themselves in the summer of 2014 for a fee of £10million.
What do we think?
Celtic will have been delighted that Forster was overlooked by Hasenhuttl recently and will be keen to ensure the former England international remains off the Austrian’s radar, as it could give them a better chance of retaining their former shot-stopper on a permanent basis. Indeed, the ‘keeper has made a significant contribution to Lennon’s side already and the Bhoys’ faithful will be desperate to see one of their newest heroes remain at Celtic Park for as long as possible.