HAND IN GLOVE

Fraser Forster’s penalty save against FC Copenhagen did make a difference, and the goalkeeper is ready to play his part again when the Danes come calling to Paradise

- TONY CONNELLY

FRASER Forster’s contribution for Celtic this season cannot be underestimated, and the Hoops stopper reminded everyone of that again last week in Denmark with a penalty save to help Celtic secure a 1-1 draw against FC Copenhagen in the first leg of their last 32 Europa League tie.

The result puts Celtic in a good position to qualify, having secured an away goal courtesy of Odsonne Edouard’s first-half strike, but the Scottish champions will feel somewhat disappointed by the result, given their dominance in the first half and chances created.

It was the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) which awarded the penalty for the home side after the ball struck Ryan Christie’s arm as he challenged for a header in the area. However, Forster came to his side’s rescue, pushing Jens Stage’s spot-kick on to the post before the ball was scrambled to safety.

Speaking exclusively to the Celtic View, Fraser Forster said: “It’s one of those where I picked a way to go and managed to get a hand to it. I felt it was a bit of a harsh penalty but that’s what it can be like with VAR, if it hits your arm at all it’s probably going to be given.

“VAR scrutinises the game so you just can’t put a foot wrong at any moment in the game which can be very difficult. It was nice to make the save and contribute to a good away performance.

“You go through runs with penalty saves when you seem to save a few and then it goes the other way for a few. Luckily, the save counted for something and helped us get a draw.”

However, Forster brushed aside any notion of Celtic being viewed as favourites in the tie regardless of the first-leg result, although he said that the performances in the group stages have instilled a confidence in Celtic that will help them rise to the occasion.