Chris Sutton believes Fraser Forster has the skills to succeed Joe Hart as Celtic’s number one.
Celtic fans have been talking about Forster in recent weeks, as it became evident that Tottenham Hotspur are willing to let him leave the club in the coming months.
The custodian is still highly regarded, having made 236 appearances for the club across two distinct loan and transfer spells.
With Hart retiring from professional football this summer, Celtic will have a big need at this position in the next market. For many, Forster symbolises a literal safe pair of hands.
Sutton agrees with that premise, but believes the veteran’s pay at Spurs, with one year remaining on his contract in London, could be a concern.
The former Bhoys striker said [Daily Record]: “There’s always talk of Forster coming back for a third time. I know he loved his spells at Celtic and at 36-years-old, he might fancy following in the footsteps of the departing no.1 and finishing his career at the club. But, again, he’s still got a year left on a lucrative deal at Spurs and also will have options.
“You wonder if he would fit into the Rodgers style of playing out from the back but there’s absolutely no question he has the presence and the stature to replace Hart. It’s an important role at the club and he would fit the bill. I just think it would be another tricky deal to do.
“We know Celtic won’t deviate too far from their tried and tested model. People at the club can – rightly – point to the success it has brought them, with trophies piling up along with cash in the bank. Developing and selling players has worked for them. But there will need to be a slight change in tack if they are to make a real fist of the Champions League.”
Given his joy in returning south at the end of his previous loan deal, you get the impression that Forster has played his final game for Celtic.
You never rule anything out, but there’s probably a good reason why the custodian hasn’t been mentioned as a possible choice for the Bhoys this summer.
Celtic appear to be looking elsewhere, with Sparta Prague shot-stopper Peter Vindahl Jensen reportedly the frontrunner to move to Glasgow. Forster is not on the radar, but whomever replaces Hart should be able to have a comparable effect.
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