Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster has revealed that he endured a difficult period over the last few years but insisted he never wanted to leave the club on a permanent basis amid interest from Celtic.
The former England international found himself at a crossroads during the summer, having returned from a season-long loan at Celtic. The ‘keeper impressed during his time on loan at the Scottish champions, keeping 14 clean sheets in 28 league games (Transfermarkt) and also starring in their Europa League campaign, and they were keen to re-sign him on a permanent basis.
However, Forster remained at St Mary’s and has re-established himself as the club’s second-choice goalkeeper behind Alex McCarthy, with Angus Gunn out on loan at Stoke City.
The 32-year-old had not featured for Southampton at all in the first 16 league matches, which led to reports that Celtic could make another attempt to sign him on loan this month. However, he was handed a start against Liverpool in McCarthy’s absence on Monday night and kept a clean sheet on his return to the side.
Speaking to the Daily Echo, Forster revealed that it had always been his intention to return to St Mary’s and fight for his place, while he also suggested that he is focusing on helping the team rather than on any potential exit this month. He said:
It’s been a strange few years, it’s been a tough few years. Obviously it’s a club I love a lot. I had some fantastic times here in the past and I’ve always been keen to come back and try and play here.
That’s all I wanted to do in the summer. I wanted to come back and give it a go and everyone’s been fantastic with me since I’ve been back.
But obviously the team has been doing well and Al’s been doing well so it’s just important I can help the team and the club in any way I can.
I train hard, work hard, try and help the team any way I can when I’m not playing. Obviously the team has had a fantastic start to the season and it’s just one of them.
Read Southampton verdict
Forster deserves a lot of credit for the professionalism he has shown throughout the season since returning from being the number one ‘keeper at Celtic last term. The 32-year-old is experienced enough to know that it was unlikely he was ever going to be first choice at St Mary’s, but he has continued to keep himself motivated and ready to make an impact when called upon.
Against Liverpool, he came into the side and was able to project confidence to the back four, which helped them to successfully defend the 1-0 lead they took in the opening minutes. Forster’s impact against the Reds shows he is still able to provide effective cover for McCarthy and means the Saints will not want him to go anywhere this month.
Therefore, it looks like he will remain at St Mary’s until at least the summer. It will then be up to him to decide whether he wants to still be second choice for the Saints or go elsewhere and try and obtain regular game-time.
