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Post by mikbhoy on Sept 13, 2010 8:49:38 GMT
From the Record.
Keeper Fraser Forster tips rock solid Celtic for success after shutting out Hearts
Sep 13 2010 By Craig Swan
FIRED-UP Fraser Forster last night outlined his determination to be the rock on which Celtic build a title charge.
The Parkhead new boy continued his perfect start with a second successive clean sheet in the 3-0 weekend success over Hearts.
With Neil Lennon unconvinced that Lukasz Zaluska was the long-term replacement for departed Artur Boruc, his loan move for the 22-year-old Newcastle ace has looked shrewd.
Having started with a shut-out at Motherwell a fortnight ago, Forster displayed more of his credentials against the Jambos and Lennon was thrilled with his side's clean sheet.
Left-back Emilio Izaguirre made an excellent home debut, Daniel Majstorovic coped with the physical threat of Kevin Kyle and Forster's contribution was key.
With the score locked at 0-0, he made a crucial point-blank save from Kyle to provide the platform for his team's triumph.
Forster knows defensive weakness was a major reason for Lennon taking him to the SPL and is determined to ensure such frailty will not hold back this season's championship tilt.
Despite European whippings in Braga and Utrecht, Celtic haven't lost a goal in the league and the Geordie knows such solidity is a main factor in them topping the pile after four matches.
Forster said: "It was brilliant for a first game here and a fantastic performance to get the three points.
"It was nice to make the save from Kyle and, with the way we have been told to defend, the lads were around me for the second ball.
"It's fantastic to keep clean sheets whatever way you do it.
"There has been a massive change of players here and it will take a bit of time for people to get to know each other.
"But everyone did well in this one and, if we can keep it tight at the back, it is the basis for a successful season.
"We defend as a team but if the back five is strong it allows the rest of the lads to bomb on and create chances. We could have scored a lot more."
Forster's calm assurance between the sticks is a welcome tonic for the Celtic supporters who were unable to place their full trust in Zaluska.
Boruc, despite the odd blunder, became an icon with the fans during his five years at Parkhead.
Forster admits the Pole is a tough act to follow but remains unflustered by the challenge.
He said: "Artur was a fantastic keeper and Celtic are a massive club, so there was always going to be pressure to go in there and perform.
"But it is the same wherever you go, you are expected to do what you have been taught.
"At Celtic it's all about concentration and some people struggle with that.
"It's hard being out of a game for 89 minutes but if you have one thing to do it could be the difference between a point or three.
Sublime "We had a good team last season at Norwich but this is another step up and keeping the concentration has been the hardest thing so far."
A watertight defence will be key for Lennon as his side have plenty of artillery going forward.
With Daryl Murphy taking on the physical aspect and acting as a focal point, the little guys were able to weave their magic against Hearts.
Wingers James Forrest and Shaun Maloney both added their second goals of the season to some terrific creative play in the first period while Paddy McCourt's late cameo was sublime.
Debut boy Anthony Stokes was busy, sub Georgios Samaras could have scored a hat-trick had his finishing been better and all of this took place as £2.4million capture Gary Hooper, back from injury, watched from the bench.
Forster said: "I could happily stand there all afternoon with nothing to do and watch the little guys play up front.
"Some of the football they play is fantastic and we have a strong squad because the people who came from the bench did well too."
Forster didn't name McCourt but he may as well have. The wing wizard added another wonder goal to his CV, tricking his way infield past a wall of defenders, nutmegging Ismael Bouzid and dinking a delicious finish over Marian Kello into the net.
Forster smiled: "Paddy is a fantastic player and I have been so impressed with him. Some of the things he does on the training pitch are ridiculous and it's great to have a player like that.
"I'm sure he's done me with one of those dinked finishes in training!"
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Post by masterson on Sept 13, 2010 9:16:19 GMT
really liked the look of the big guy, his punching from corners was excellent,
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Post by VoodooChild on Sept 13, 2010 9:19:16 GMT
We've definitely started well domestically, let's keep it going.
When was the last time we went 4 games in the SPL without conceding a goal? You've got to go as far back as the Martin O'Neill years. Don't even think Strachan managed that.
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Post by kylebhoy on Sept 13, 2010 12:23:41 GMT
if he does well maybe we should try and keep him hes big and still young
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Post by gerry on Sept 13, 2010 12:47:47 GMT
There's no doubt that if he keeps going the way he is that we should try to keep him. Another good young find in my view.
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siosal
Full Member
[M:6575]
"Better to die standing, than to live on your knees"
Posts: 137
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Post by siosal on Sept 13, 2010 15:53:14 GMT
Forster was solid and did the simple things well. Hopefully him and big Dan can put an end to us being bullied in our own box at set pieces ! Every free kick we conceded inside our own half last year made us wobbly. All the oppo had to do was hoof it into the box.
Hail Hail !
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