Lennon heaps praise on Forster

Celtic manager Neil Lennon believes goalkeeper Fraser Forster boosted his chances of an England call-up with his display against Helsingborg.

Hoops boss admits 2-0 scoreline flattered his side

Celtic manager Neil Lennon believes goalkeeper Fraser Forster boosted his chances of an England call-up with his display in Tuesday night's UEFA Champions League win over Helsingborg. The Hoops took a major step towards the group stage of the tournament as they triumphed 2-0 in the first leg of their qualifying play-off at the home of the Swedish champions. Forster kept an invaluable clean sheet, despite Celtic being on the back foot for long periods. Kris Commons' well-struck volley after two minutes gave the Hoops an early advantage they clung onto, thanks largely to Forster, before Georgios Samaras doubled their lead with 15 minutes left. Despite the value of those strikes Lennon was full of praise for his goalkeeper, saying: "Fraser's done his chances (of an England call-up) no harm tonight. "I said you'd have an audience tonight and to go and show them how good you are. "I thought he was excellent tonight. We've been banging the drum about him for a while, but it's not for us to say."

Flattering

Lennon admits his side were flattered by a scoreline that leaves them in pole position to progress ahead of the return leg at Celtic Park next week. "We had to rely on our goalkeeper. That's what you have to do away from home," he said. "The second half we were a lot better; we had to change the shape of the team. "I'm very grateful for the two goals and the clean sheet. "The job is only half done. There is a big game at Celtic Park to come. Helsingborg showed how dangerous they can be."