Fraser Forster is currently Celtic’s number one goalkeeper and has performed admirably in that role since joining the hoops on loan back in 2010. It is astounding given the perceived lack of quality English goalkeepers available for the national side that Forster has not been given a chance to prove his worth in an England shirt.
Forster once again showed his class last night during Celtic’s 0-0 champions league draw with Benfica. Perhaps the fact that Forster plies his trade away from England’s top league counts against the twenty four year old. After all how much work does a Celtic goalkeeper need to put in on a weekly basis considering their relative strength compared to the rest of the league?
While this is indeed a valid point Forster has experience in the champions league, an achievement all current England goalkeepers barring Joe Hart cannot boast on their CV’s.
Joe Hart is currently England’s number one and rightly so and his position does not seem to be under threat currently. While the arrival of Forster would not change this scenario it would be refreshing for England to have a fully capable goalkeeper to replace the world class Hart. In addition Forster could breach the gap during times where Joe Hart might need a rest or struggling for fitness. An England goalkeeper who actually wants to represent their nation, no matter how long they will have to spend on the bench, would be a very welcome contributor.
If you needed convincing then why not feast your eyes on this world class save, denying current Everton forward Nikita Jelavic from giving Rangers a victory in the last seconds of the always lively and sadly missed Old Firm derby.
Tomos Llewellyn
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