Monday 15 September 2014 12:35, UK
Fraser Forster helped to shut out Newcastle United on Saturday, but the Southampton goalkeeper is thankful for all his former employers did for him.
The towering shot-stopper joined the academy system at St James’ Park as a teenager and progressed through the ranks to form part of the first-team set-up.
His route was blocked by more experienced performers, though, and important minutes were acquired through loan spells at Bristol Rovers, Stockport County, Norwich City and Celtic.
They gave me an opportunity to improve and they also gave me a way into the game. I’m thankful for what Newcastle did for me.
So impressive were his displays at Parkhead that a permanent deal was agreed in the summer of 2012.
Forster has gone on to land numerous domestic honours, grace the UEFA Champions League, earn international recognition with England and secure a return to the Premier League, but he acknowledges that he owes Newcastle a lot for opening the right doors.
He said in Southampton’s matchday magazine: “I used to have a season ticket and I’d go and watch them play all the time.
“Newcastle took me on – I was 17 when they signed me – but they really helped me to progress. They were a fantastic club to be at when I was young.
“They gave me an opportunity to improve and they also gave me a way into the game. I’m thankful for what Newcastle did for me.”
Forster added: “Going out on loan and being number one goalkeeper at different clubs did a lot for me.
“I was playing first team football at Norwich and I ended up on loan at Celtic.
“They sent me out there. I played Champions League and in the league Celtic are always under massive pressure each week to win as a draw is seen as a bad result. It was a great experience.
“Newcastle gave me the loan to Celtic which led to me winning my first England cap. When I left it was the right time.”
