FORMER Celtic favourite Fraser Forster will go into the transfer shop window this evening.
The Hoops’ goalkeeping hero from last season is poised to make his first appearance in the campaign for Southampton against champions Liverpool at St Mary’s.
Amazingly, the six times-capped England international No.1 has not played a single minute of top team football since knocking back an offer to return to Parkhead for another loan stint in the summer.
But the skyscraper shotstopper will be in the spotlight tonight with regular netminder Alex McCarthy ruled out after testing positive for coronavirus. He is now in self-isolation which has opened the door for a return to action for 32-year-old Forster.
The Geordie snubbed the chance of a Hoops comeback after preferring to see out the remaining two years of a contract at the Saints which is reported to be worth a whopping £92,000 per week.
While Forster delayed making a firm decision in the previous transfer window – with speculation Chelsea may make a dramatic swoop – Celtic were forced to look elsewhere after Craig Gordon left at the completion of his deal to rejoin Hearts.
They paid £4.5million for Vasilis Barkas from AEK Athens, but the Greek international has been unconvincing since his arrival. Neil Lennon has also utilised 22-year-old rookie Conor Hazard and the experienced Scott Bain as he tries to solve his No.1 problem position.
Former Hoops striker Chris Sutton is convinced the failure to sign Forster has contributed massively to his old club’s failings this term.
The media pundit, speaking to the Daily Record, said: “Not getting Forster was a hammer blow at the start of this season and that’s only confirmed when you look at what Allan McGregor did on Saturday.
“The goalkeeping position remains a nightmare for Neil and we still don’t know if Vasilas Barkas can make a save because Rangers didn’t ask him to produce one through the entire 90 minutes in Govan.
“Not getting that nailed down has been costly.”
