THANKS BOSS

Celtic keeper Forster admits he owed Betfred Cup Final performance to Lennon

FRASER FORSTER grabbed the Betfred Cup for Celtic and beamed: I OWED it to Lenny.

On-loan keeper Forster saved Alfredo Morelos’ penalty in a Hampden masterclass as ten-man Celts won a tenth straight domestic trophy.

Forster, who also denied Ryan Jack and Morelos from open play, dedicated the nerve-shredding cup win to his gaffer.

He said: “The manager has been so good for me and my career.

"He brought me here to Celtic the first time when I was a young keeper and he gave me my big opportunity.

“He’s now given me another opportunity to come here and I will be forever grateful to him.

“It’s fantastic to be at this club and to be part of big occasions like this.

“I’ve always loved working with the gaffer. He’s such a good man-manager.

“He knows what makes people tick and what makes people feel good. I will be eternally grateful to him.

“I’ve had special times with him and I know what he thinks of me and the confidence he gives me.

“I could never turn down the chance to work with him and it’s nice to repay a manager for the faith he has in you.

“If you can’t be happy and celebrate in these moments you are in the wrong game. I’ve spoken about how tough it was for me last season.

“I’m delighted to be back and competing for silverware with Celtic. I’m absolutely buzzing and I’m buzzing for the fans.”

Forster produced a string of saves either side of Christopher Jullien’s controversial winner to break Gers’ hearts.

He pushed out Morelos’ spot-kick after defender Jeremie Frimpong had been sent off for downing the Colombian in the box.

Forster, 31, added: “You just go with your gut instinct. Luckily enough for me, I went the right way and I was able to make the save.

“I just had a feeling and I decided which way to go. I didn’t overthink it.

“There have been plenty of times when I’ve gone one way and the penalty taker has gone the other and it’s gone in.

“As long as you win in a final that’s the main thing. We’ve been here before, played better and lost.”

Delighted gaffer Lenny greeted his keeper with a ‘we’re not worthy’ gesture at the end.

Asked about Lennon’s reaction, Forster said: “That’s the first time I’ve had a manager do that!

“It’s fantastic it was in a cup final and we’ve gone on to win and get the clean sheet. It’s a nice one to add to the list.”