Ange Postecoglou was pleased with Fraser Forster’s performance in Tottenham’s first game since the injury blow to Guglielmo Vicario.
The veteran goalkeeper is set for an extended run in the Spurs first-team after Italian international Vicario underwent surgery on an ankle injury sustained during the 4-0 Premier League win over Manchester City.
Postecoglou has confirmed his first choice stopper is facing “months” out of action while stressing the club will not be making a free agent signing to act as cover.
As a result, Forster is set to remain in goal for the foreseeable future and began life as a No.1 again during the 2-2 Europa League draw with Roma on Thursday night.
The 36-year-old, who many would argue is perhaps not as adept with the ball at his feet as Vicario, did make a series of smart saves during the draw against the Italian club in crisis – albeit there was one incident when Forster was almost caught out when attempting to play out from the back.
Still, Postecoglou believes Forster’s experience and the fact he had played already in the competition this season helped the former England international settle.
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“He is an experienced guy and has probably thought to himself that, that is why he is there, if needed to come in and be that reliable goalkeeper for us,” he said.
“It’s helped he’s already played this year, it wasn’t his first game. He’s played his part tonight and it’s just disappointing we weren’t able to capitalise on the football we played to get the three points. I don’t think he’s lacking in confidence, but always good for him to least pull off a couple of big saves for us tonight and get him back into the group.”
Forster looks almost certain to start in goal on Sunday as Spurs host Fulham in the Premier League.