Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson has claimed that Southampton should sanction the departure of Fraser Forster in January to re-join Celtic once more.
Forster returned to the Hoops for a second spell with the Scottish champions last term. The ‘keeper was a crucial member of their squad, recording 14 clean sheets in the league to help them secure a ninth successive title. He also produced a number of memorable performances for them during their Europa League campaign.
The England international was retained by Southampton in the summer and has been the backup ‘keeper behind Alex McCarthy, with Angus Gunn heading out on loan to Stoke City. However, the 32-year-old is finding minutes hard to come by under Ralph Hasenhuttl, who has not handed him an appearance so far this season.
The Saints have been linked with a potential move for Accrington Stanley’s Toby Savin following the goalkeeper’s impressive performances in League One so far this term. That could potentially free up room for Forster to be allowed to leave in January; and it has been reported by The Athletic that Celtic are considering going back in for him in January.
Speaking to Football Insider, Robinson insisted that Forster needs a move away to get back to the sort of form he showed at Celtic last season, and suggested a move would benefit both the Saints and the Scottish club.
He said: “I do not know if Forster could save their season but his arrival would go a long way. It would be a big boost.
“Celtic were massively disappointed that he did not stay. He went back to Southampton but he has not got a game so I think it would be in everyone’s interests that he moved back to Scotland
“If it was me, I would want to go. He did amazing things there last season and I think he will want to play.”
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Southampton are facing a difficult dilemma over Forster, who has been a good servant for the Saints, but they cannot sanction his departure unless they make a successful move for Savin or another potential option to have in reserve.
Forster is not in Hasenhuttl’s long-term plans at St Mary’s and it would therefore be good for him to go out on loan again and potentially put himself back in the shop window ahead of the summer. Celtic need to add his reliable presence to their ranks again amid their recent woes.
It will therefore be interesting to see how this one develops throughout the January transfer window. It could be a transfer which gets drawn out, with the Saints having to first make sure they have enough cover to allow him to leave the club again.
