Chris Sutton says there is “no question” that Fraser Forster has the attributes to replace Joe Hart as Celtic’s number one.
Celtic fans have talked about Forster in recent weeks after it became clear that Tottenham Hotspur are willing to let him leave the club over the next few months.
The goalkeeper remains well thought of having already made 236 appearances for the club in two separate spells on various loan and transfer deals.
With Hart retiring from professional football this summer, the position is a serious need for Celtic in the upcoming market. Forster represents a literal safe pair of hands for many.
Sutton lines up with that theory, too, but reckons the veteran’s wages at Spurs with one year left on his deal in London could prove to be a problem.
Chris Sutton on Fraser Forster to Celtic
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.”
Forster and Celtic relationship looks to have ended for good
Given his happiness in returning south at the end of his last loan deal, you get the sense that Forster has played his last game for Celtic.
You can never rule anything out but there’s probably a decent reason why the goalkeeper hasn’t actually been reported as a potential option for the Bhoys this summer.
Celtic appear to be searching in other markets with Sparta Prague shot-stopper Peter Vindahl Jensen apparently the frontrunner to make the move to Glasgow. Forster isn’t on the radar but hopefully whoever replaces Hart can make a similar impact.