Fraser Forster concentrating on increasing his stature at Celtic

Chief Sports Writer

Wednesday 18 January 2012

THE theory that Fraser Forster is growing into his post as the Celtic goalkeeper receives some validation when he has to bend his head to enter the dressing-room at Lennoxtown.

Fraser Forster's penalty save against Hearts was a turning point

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Hugh MacDonald

At 6ft 7ins, the 23-year-old is now gaining a reputation as a player who can make the big saves at the big moments. His hunched appearance at a news conference can not disguise the reality that the 'keeper has been stretched in recent months and proved more than equal to most that has been shot at him.

His performance in the draw with Udinese, his penalty save against Hearts at Parkhead last month and the desperate lunge to deny Lee Wallace in the Old Firm match have combined to enhance both his confidence and his status in the eyes of the support and the manager.Forster, who is on loan from Newcastle United until the end of the season with an option for the Parkhead club to buy him, is aware he is playing for his future. A smart save from Jon Daly on Saturday that protected a narrow lead against Dundee United will have reinforced Neil Lennon's positive impression of a goalkeeper who has overcome moments of hesitancy to become an important player for the side. ''I'm happy leaving it to the summer,'' Forster said yesterday of any contract talks with Celtic. ''We can sit down and sort it all out then.''He knows, though, that his form opens up other possibilities. ''Obviously if you are playing well it helps. It creates opportunities and strengthens your power of negotiation. It's just important to play well and focus on the football – and, most importantly, win the league,'' he said. 'I don't really see myself going back to Newcastle, although you never say never in football.''He maintains that his ability to make important saves has been heightened by an improvement in his concentration but will not reveal the techniques he uses to keep him on his toes when play rages far from his goal. Forster worked with a sports psychologist at Newcastle but restricts himself now to sessions with Stevie Woods, the goalkeeping coach at Celtic. He gives Woods due praise for the improvement in his level of play.Forster's season has improved dramatically from the night in Rennes in October when he and Cha Du-Ri contrived to donate the French a goal through a pass back that rolled into an empty net. "You just need to get over it. I reacted well to what happened, I thought, making some saves in the second half, and I haven't looked back since then,'' said Forster.His most controversial moment of the season was when he denied Wallace early in the last Old Firm match. Television pictures suggested the Rangers defender's header was over the line but the goalkeeper made a great save to keep the match even. "I thought at the time there might be a chance it was in, but looking back now I'm not sure you can say either way,'' said Forster. "The ref didn't give it and we were due that bit of luck.''The penalty save against Hearts last month was also a crucial intervention. Celtic had struggled to take a lead through Victor Wanyama when the Tynecastle side were awarded a spot kick two minutes from time. Eggert Jonsson's effort was brilliantly saved and Celtic maintained a momentum that has taken them to the top of the league.Forster has only been playing football seriously for six years. ''I was 17 when I first went into Newcastle on trial and I haven't looked back since. I played rugby but preferred football and played Sunday League,'' he said. "I played for the county and had trials at a couple of clubs where nothing came of it and then I got a chance at Newcastle out of the blue. It came late but it helped me in a way. I'm not convinced I could have been a kid who joined a club at six or seven and then was there all the way through."When you come in late and see how good the other players are you work harder to catch them up and then edge ahead of them. That can only benefit you.''Forster would have gone to university to study economics if the trial at Newcastle had not worked out. ''I'm lucky I got the chance to play football. I keep working hard,'' he said. Quiet and gently polite, Forster speaks frankly of an improved confidence. His future is now in his hands. He seems more than content about that state of affairs.

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Fraser Forster concentrating on increasing his stature at Celtic

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