Lennon tips Forster for England role

Celtic manager Neil Lennon has praised his goalkeeper Fraser Forster and believes he should be a regular England international.

The former Newcastle goalkeeper produced a fine display to help Celtic record a 2-0 win away to Helsingborgs, putting the Scottish Premier League club on the brink of the Champions League group stage.

And Lennon hopes England manager Roy Hodgson has noticed Forster’s ability.

“I don’t think he did himself any harm on Tuesday night as far as England recognition is concerned,” Lennon said.

“The game was shown to a nationwide ITV audience, so his performance was seen down south. The way he has been the last 18 months, at the top of his game, he’s only getting better.

“It’s not for me to pick him for England but all he can do is keep performing like that and, sooner or later, the door will swing open.”

Forster penned a permanent deal at Celtic Park in the close season after spending two campaigns on loan.

Lennon had feared the prospect of a lack of international recognition could have made the goalkeeper turn down a full-time switch to the SPL.

“There was always that worry that he might not come to us on a permanent deal because when John Ruddy pulled out of the England squad for the Euros, Fraser didn’t even get a call,” he said.

“Talks were on-going at that time but the fact we persuaded him to come says that he’s pretty happy at Celtic and feeling good about himself at the minute.

“We’ve had him for over two years now and have bedded him down for another three at least. We feel he is a great signing for us.

“All good goalkeepers win matches for you. Allan McGregor did it for Rangers over the years, Andy Goram did it before that. Artur Boruc did it for us. Peter Schmeichel and Gigi (Gianluigi) Buffon also did it. Good goalkeepers are worth their weight in gold at times.”