Shaun Maloney hails ‘huge’ Neil Lennon masterstroke, hopes Celtic can follow it up

Add as preferred source on Google

Celtic on-loan ace Fraser Forster has been praised by Parkhead cult hero Shaun Maloney, who hopes Neil Lennon can secure the 32-year-old’s services next season too (PLZ Soccer).

The 6ft 7in goalkeeper was frozen out at Southampton but his loan switch back at Celtic saw him show what he’s really capable of, not to mention giving his career a new lease of life and helping Celtic to yet more glory.

Forster made 39 appearances for Neil Lennon’s side this term prior to football being suspended, and delivered plenty of superb performances, in particular his masterclasses against Lazio at Celtic Park and against Rangers in the Scottish League Cup final.

His loan at Celtic expires on 30 June but he joined up with the Hoops in training this week, sparking hope amongst some fans that his time at Parkhead may stretch beyond the end of the month.

According to the Scottish Sun, Lennon remains hopeful of securing a deal to bring the experienced stopper back next season, despite alleged interest from a top-four English Premier League club (Daily Record).

“Signing Fraser, was huge,” Belgium assistant coach Maloney told PLZ Soccer, as transcribed by the Daily Record.

“He was just an enormous presence – and in big games, against Lazio and in the Rangers cup final.

“So, if they can get him back it would be a huge signing. (The price) seems to be an issue. But I’m really hopeful they can bring him back.”

TBR View:

It’s almost baffling to think Forster was frozen out at Southampton for so long, considering just how well he has done back at Celtic, and he would be an incredible permanent signing for the Hoops – the Scottish Sun claims Lennon is “desperate” to have him in the Hoops ranks next season.

That said, there could also potentially be plenty of suitors interested for the Saints to do business with in the summer – so unless the Hoops are prepared to break the bank and Forster is willing to compromise massively in terms of his wages, another loan deal may just be the best option.