A crucial aspect of the season just past was the form of goalkeeper, Fraser Forster. Fraser has been Celtic’s first choice goalkeeper since joining on loan from Newcastle United as a 22-year-old but his deal was only made permanent 11 months ago, when he was secured for a fee reported as £2m.
Now 25, the keeper has enjoyed a dream campaign. Celtic’s major achievements this season were winning the league and qualifying for the Champions League group stage, but for Fraser more than anyone else at the club, that night against Barcelona produced an outstanding personal performance. La Gran Muralla had arrived.
Now a regular member of the England international squad, Fraser is the identikit of what Celtic are about right now. Scout players with potential and provide them with the opportunity to mature to Champions League standard. The added bonus of picking Rangers International’s partner-investor, Sports Direct’s pocket makes the deal sweeter.
Fraser has it all: presence, fast reflexes and an instinct for angles, but the most important item in a keeper’s armoury is a relationship with a rock solid defence. Celtic demonstrated they could deliver on this front on Champions League duty, until they faced Juventus, but the picture has been far less convincing in the SPL.
The most striking aspect of Fraser is his sheer physical size. His 6’7” he fills the goal frame, considerably reducing the space between keeper and post at penalty kicks, which his stats are well above average for.
Fraser was disappointed not to be included in the England squad for friendly games against Ireland and Brazil over the next week but Roy Hodgson will be mindful that Celtic have a shorter summer break than any other club he will be following, and Fraser will need some break-time before preseason starts in around three weeks. This is good squad management. The keeper is likely to make his full England debut as his country prepare for the 2014 World Cup, leading to a whole raft of revised comments on the Scottish game.
Have you bought a raffle ticket for the framed Celtic top signed by the Seville squad? It costs you £1, or £10 for 10!! All to benefit the 125415 campaign, aligning Celtic with our 125-year-old heritage.
Not only that, but………….
We have a framed Messi top signed by the great player who was able to breach La Gran Muralla after 183 minutes trying, available for auction. It’s not often you can buy such a memento of the world’s greatest footballer, and help Celtic charities too.
The Seville strip raffle closes on Friday but you have until Monday to bid on the Messi auction.
Willie Wallace, Heart of a Lion, available below.
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BT
Great news indeed. I may get a chance to pop in next week, will let you know in advance. It will most certainly not be 1500 hrs or thereabouts. (Friggin Raith Interchange) haha. Take care and wish mrs. BT and Mini BT the very best. Of course I will deliver. :))
Weefra HH
Jihad yerdinna yet?
Tiny tim
James forrest / the lion from the whizzer of Oz ;)
HT
Are you surprised? Me neither. :))
Weefra HH
Hamilton Tim
Noo ..Ye ur Reapin’t the Benefit o’ awe that Expensive Edication.. that Ye Mammy and Daddy Paid fur.
It hiz allowed ye…Tae come tae a Sensible Conclusion..
Regarding.. Why .. Jamesie is a wee bit Reticent …. “Mix it” .
Of Course..
Jamsie ,is Still a wee bit.. Leery..after awe those injuries he has gone Thru this Season.
Ah don’t blame him , wan bit… Ah wid be a wee bit Leery tae..of picking up anither Load… jist when Ah wiz getting over the Previous Crop.
Gie the Lad Time..
Time is a great Healer.
Kojo
Still.. Laughin’
Frank Meccavennie
Hooper is a vastly improved player and would score goals for any team in any country.
James Forrest is a talented young player. His game is not about blood and thunder but to therefore label him a coward is, at best, harsh.
JJ
Weefra
Mrs and mini bt will be heading in one direction ;).
Btw.. take him some sausages to go with the eggs
Paddy is on the way out, wee James is the new fall guy.
Islam dearer than steak?
Johan jihad
Was that a embra islamist asking that
Tony Watt Is The Most Exciting Prospect….
Tae Come Through The Celtic Ranks….
Since Paul McStay….
Corkcelt. Don’t think he is the new fall guy just some improvement needed to make the ” wee Roy rocket boots” even better hh
TBJ
We don’t rear coos or pigs. Oh, I see what you mean. Aye right, you supply the sausage and ye get yer eggs. Promise. :))
Weefra HH
sipsini
The head is the best bit, obviously had a wee snack afore he brought the rest in for ye >}
T bj – well spotted :)
Islamabad choice? Should I go for the chicken?
Kayal 33…never saw that, pity, thanks for the onfo.
Kojo….good goal scoring mid fielder, however he has just signed for Hull today.
Hamiltontim…not sure I entirely agree with that, we can all have off days. 31 goals and many assists don’t suggest too many times it didn’t suit him, however not to worry.
Hx2
Corky
I wouldnt have tagged paddy as fall guy… he was a cult figure.
Big sammi was fall guy with many hoops.
Aiden was pilloried by many
Tommysbhoy.
Is that the small cemetery at st Fillans school or the large one up the hill?
Sorry Bada, meant to acknowledge your info on GB too
Charlottes back !!!h.h
bobbyrussell
Don’t you start. Hahahaha :))
Weefra HH
“@CharlotteFakes: Reminder to Tom Stocker at PM, despite a promise to get back to me regarding evidence, I have heard nothing. He’s now on holiday till 3 June”
Jaysus Jinky there have been threads here blaming Paddy for everything bar the catering.
Iran 5 miles today..jihad a new pair of trainers on – Allah dae it again soon
Weefra
Buchanans of burnbank square slice opens doors easier than a locksmith
sipsini
I’ve got two cats and they frequently bring “presents” home for Mrs BIG-CUP (no I’m not that lucky)-WINNERS .
One of the moggies is a pacifist and releases a live moose in the house every so often.
Broonie was the scapegoat for a while as well……..
As was Beram, Joe, Izzy, Fraser…..etc, etc……
mcgrory1888-HH
“@CharlotteFakes: PM might want to check with Imran about the 28 June 2012 meeting/paper titled “Heads of Agreement – Sevco and PF Custodian” #AskImran”
Corky
Ive not seen many of that ilk… a lot of tims idolised him.. most wanted him to do a st mirren goal every week. .. some slagged him when he didnt perform like that
Im in the middle group
TBJ
They’re on you kiddo. :))
Weefra HH
TET
Think that’s the point… every player has his detractors amongst our fans.
I never rated larsson ….. lmao
Tbj and corky – after his initial wonder goals – opposition teams doubled men up on him – slat to what often happened to Aiden – though I thought he often had some good assist s – pathicularly one at fir park when we were behind hh
Tiny Tim
Pal.. Neil and I… are Correct.
Jamesie,is a Great ..and Valuable Prospect.
Ah hiv known aboot.. Jamesie, since he wiz.. Eight Years Auld..
Ah hiv Friends in all sorts of Oota the wey Places…Like..
Prestwick.. Saltcoats, Largs..and the Caunelriggs.
and..
Ah wiz told by wan of they friends.. way back .. when Jamesie first came tae the Attention of Celtic.. when Jamsie was a wee Tot..
That Jamsie , wiz a Wonderful Prospect..
Same goes fur..
Pauly George..
Another Youngster,of whom Ah wiz informed aboot, by a..well…
Irish Informer Friend.
Paul George..
‘
WHO….IS THE NEXT BIG THING..
again…he has bin ..Incapacitated fur a WHOLE SEASON..
and is slowly winning back his Skill and Strength.
He had suffered a Broken Leg.. which was imposed, during a Cowardly Attack.. by a Dirty Son of a Lady Dog.. weariring the Ibrox Colours.
They took him oota the game in the First Five Minutes.. It was a Cold ,Planned..
Assassination of Celtic’s Maist Dangerous Player..
It happened in a Cup Game.. If Ah remember correctly..
but… Celtic won..anyway..
But.. Poor Pauly.. Paid the Price of Losing a Full Season.. oota his.. Fitbaing “Seasoning”.
He wull soon be fully fit..and ..
Ah am confident we wull see.. Pauly..in the First Team Pool, next season..
He wull be.. Eighteen,Then.
I think.
Yep..
Paul George Is a Natural.
Wan who comes alang..
Every.. Fifteen Years. Two Months.. and Thirteen Days.
and ,as ye know the last wan who came … oan that same cycle..
Wiz a Swedish Guy.. who Name . Ah am forbidden tae Divulge.
Kojo
Yer pal.. who always liked you.. the best .
Still…Laughin
HT
I personally think JF is an exiting prospect as long as we play him in his best position, which inho is on the right flank. I thought he was playing to instructions on Sunday and did exactly what NFL instructed him to do. Just MO. :))
Weefra HH
Tbj- agree re Larson – lightweight
Wae his Francy hairband !!