Fraser Forster to end Champions League hiatus with ex Celtic star to step in for injured Hugo Lloris
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Former Celtic hero Fraser Forster is set to embark upon another Champions League adventure for the first time in almost nine years on Tuesday – with Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris suffering a two-month injury.
Forster made his name at Celtic over the space of a couple of loan spells from Newcastle, before joining permanently in the summer of 2012. Writing his name into Hoops folklore with some stunning saves and a dominating aura, Forster will look back fondly on his career in Glasgow – including 26 Champions League appearances.
None are more memorable than the performance he pulled off in the shock 2-1 win against Barcelona in 2012; thwarting the star-studded side and only conceding in the last minute to Lionel Messi. Dubbed ‘La Gran Muralla’ by the Spanish media – or ‘The Giant Wall’ in English – after his outstanding performance on that famous night at Parkhead, it has been quite some time since he featured in Europe’s most prestigious competition.
A move away from Parkhead saw him spend an eight-year spell at Southampton, which in itself incorporated a season-long loan back at Celtic – where he helped the club win the 2019 Scottish League Cup in a heroic battle of the brutes against Alfredo Morelos. Ending up as Tottenham’s number two this season, many would’ve thought it would be the end of his Champions League career with Lloris being the obvious No.1.
But an injury to the Frenchman in Sunday’s impressive win over Manchester City has seen Lloris ruled out for two months – thrusting Forster back into the spotlight for Tottenham’s round of 16 double-leg against AC Milan.
Despite his 26 Champions League appearances, Forster has only played in the knockout rounds of the competition twice; seeing Celtic lose 5-0 on aggregate to Juventus in 2012/13.
Furthermore, it will see him take part in huge Premier League clashes against Chelsea, West Ham and Everton whilst Lloris is sidelined, with an FA Cup tie against Sheffield United to contend with as Spurs hunt for a trophy for the first time in 15 years.
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