Forster seals Celtic switch

Celtic have completed the signing of goalkeeper Fraser Forster from Newcastle on a four-year deal.

Keeper makes permanent move from Newcastle on four-year deal

Celtic have completed the signing of goalkeeper Fraser Forster on a four-year deal. The 24-year-old spent the last two seasons on loan at Celtic Park and has now sealed a permanent move from Newcastle, with the Scottish giants thought to have paid a fee of around £2million. Forster was previously loaned out to Norwich, Bristol Rovers and Stockport as his first-team opportunities at Newcastle were blocked by the presence of Shay Given, Steve Harper and then Tim Krul. And after failing to make a single first-team appearance for the Magpies since signing in 2005 while becoming a popular figure at Celtic, he was ready to leave his hometown club. The 6ft 7in keeper has been a commanding presence in the Celtic goal during the last two seasons, making 44 appearances as the Bhoys won the Scottish Cup in 2010/11.

Massive club

Forster then played 33 league games last term as Celtic won the Scottish Premier League title for the first time since 2007/08. "This is a massive club and I feel like this is a step forward in my career," he told the club's official website. "I want to win things as a team and improve as an individual and I think I will be able to do that at Celtic. "It also gives me a great opportunity to play in the Champions League if we get through the qualifiers. I really enjoyed my time in Europe last season so I will be looking forward to it if it happens again. "I enjoyed last season as a whole and we have a great young squad here. The players and the coaches make it an enjoyable place to be and I like being a part of this team."

Continuity

Celtic boss Neil Lennon was keen to secure Forster's services with Lukasz Zaluska his only other experienced keeper. "We are delighted that Fraser has committed his future to the club and we believe he will be a magnificent addition to the squad," he added. "He gives us that continuity so this is something we are really pleased about. He is a top-class keeper."