Fraser Forster is striving to maintain the focus and concentration he believes have been key to Celtic’s dominance in the Scottish Premier League.
The Hoops are top of the table with a 13-point lead and are unbeaten in their 20 games, with goalkeeper Forster keeping 16 clean sheets during that run. Half of those have come in Celtic’s last eight domestic games, and they now have two club records in their sights – 10 clean sheets in the league (1913-14 and 1921-22) and 13 overall (1913-14).
Forster said: “It’s been brilliant and something we have wanted to keep going.”
“We’ve not been at our best over the last few weeks but we have ground out wins, which is the most important thing at the end of the day – picking up the three points. If you can perform well, it’s an added bonus and we have been pleased to keep the run going. We are high in confidence.”
Forster in action for Celtic
Since Forster joined the Glasgow giants from Newcastle United three and a half years ago he has kept 87 clean sheets in 175 first-team appearances – and it is this form that earned him his first England cap against Chile in November.
His manager Neil Lennon recently stated Forster’s international debut was among his proudest moments since taking over at the Scottish Champions – and the keeper says he owes his boss a lot.
Speaking to The Scotsman, Forster added: “He has done a lot for me and I will always be very grateful for that.
“He brought me to the club and has shown a lot of faith in me, and it’s very nice for him to say that.”
If Forster can continue his form then he will be hoping for another chance to stake his claim in Roy Hodgson’s World Cup squad when the Three Lions face Denmark at Wembley on Wednesday 5 March.
