Fraser Forster opens up on why he didn’t return to Celtic

Not a lot of things have gone Celtic’s way this season as they have struggled to compete for trophies throughout the course of the campaign, losing the Premiership title to the Rangers and underperforming in the other competitions as well. Perhaps the first thing that did not go the club’s way was the failed move to bring back Fraser Forster for another spell at Parkhead.

The English goalkeeper had done spectacularly while on loan from Southampton during the 9IAR campaign. And naturally, the club wanted him back once again. As reported by The Sun, Neil Lennon said that a deal had even been agreed between the two clubs but things had gone quite on the player’s side.

Ultimately, a move did not materialise and the Hoops ended up signing Vasilis Barkas from AEK Athens for a transfer fee believed to be around £4.5 million. It is safe to say that the Greek international has not found his feet in Scottish football yet.

On the other hand, after a rough start to the season, Forster is back in the first-team picture at Southampton. And while speaking with Southampton’s official website, he said of his decision to remain at the club:

"“When the opportunity came for me to go to Celtic and play, that was perfect for me.“To go and play 50, 60 games was fantastic. It was easy for me to go back there as it’s another club I have a fantastic relationship with.“A lot of the staff were the same as my first time there, so it was like I’d never left. It was a great year, I had some great games.“I got some game time and felt I just reminded people what I can do. I had a fantastic year there, won trophies and did well in Europe.“I made the decision in the summer that I wanted to come back here and fight for my place. I’ve had to bide my time and the FA Cup has been crucial to that, but I got my head down and worked hard.”"

More from Celtic FC News

• Celtic handed fresh injury doubt before Feyenoord game
• Celtic’s £40.7 million announcement should scare Rangers
• Brendan Rodgers makes superb claim about returning Celtic player
• BBC pundit makes sensational claim about Celtic hero Kyogo
• Kyogo Furuhashi sends clear message to Celtic doubters

Could Forster have made a difference at Celtic this season?

It is safe to say that goalkeeping has been an area of weakness for the Hoops this season. In fact, Scott Bain, Conor Hazard and Vasilis Barkas have all had runs in the first-team but it does not feel like any of them have managed to convince that they can be the long-term answer between the sticks at Parkhead.

Thus one has to wonder, could Forster have made a difference this season if he had decided to return to Celtic?

That is certainly up for debate. But it is very likely that he would have held on to his spot as the starter. Although, it is worth pointing out that the club’s defence has been as much of a worry as the goalkeeping situation.