Champions League

Neil Lennon pleased with Fraser Forster hype

By Sian Cowper, Reporter | 04 October 2013

Celtic manager Neil Lennon insists that he is happy to see keeper Fraser Forster linked with a move to Barcelona and England's number one shirt.

Neil Lennon has said that he is pleased with reports linking Fraser Forster with a move to Barcelona and calls for the keeper to replace Joe Hart for England.

The Celtic goalkeeper made four saves during the Hoops' 1-0 defeat to the Spanish champions in the Champions League earlier this week.

The manager told the Irish Examiner: "I don't want to stop the speculation. I want him to keep playing well and if an opportunity like that arises then who am I to stand in his way? Opportunities like that come once in a lifetime.

"It is just fantastic that people are talking about him in this fashion although I hope it is not short-termism. I want it to be for the long term. Short term, he is here with us and thriving.

"It is a shame that it has to take Champions League performances for everyone to sit up and take notice. It is brilliant for him, great recognition and testament to his talent that he is playing his club football in Scotland and he is knocking on the door for the England number one spot."

Forster is part of the England squad for the Three Lions' upcoming World Cup qualifiers, but Roy Hodgson has said that the Manchester City keeper will remain his first choice.