Spurs stopper Fraser Forster
Spurs stopper Fraser Forster
Fraser Forster warned Tottenham may have to forsake their wish to be great entertainers and “grind out results” to negotiate an injury crisis amid December’s breathless schedule.
The former England goalkeeper made his first League appearance in 18 months in the 1-1 draw against Fulham after first choice Guglielmo Vicario broke an ankle bone. And the 6ft 7in giant’s outstanding display underlined the value of an oven-ready replacement who can make the difference when called into action.
Forster, 36, will be Spurs’ able deputy during the absurd run of 11 games in 35 days up to the New Year. Manager Ange Postecoglou is desperate for some of his injury absentees, notably central defenders Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, to return while Dominic Solanke missed the Fulham draw through illness.
Forster said: “It’s an incredible schedule of games and obviously it’s a tough one when Dom’s ill - that’s one you’re not really expecting - but you have to deal with it, and it’s an opportunity for someone else. It’s going to be a real squad game and we might have to grind out results. It’s a going to be a big ask for everyone, but ultimately we all love playing football so we have to embrace the challenge.”
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Remarkably, Vicario played for an hour in the 4-0 demolition of champions Manchester City with a fractured ankle bone, but an operation on the injury means Forster will be in charge of the gloves well into 2025.
Forster, who won six England caps between 2013-16, told the club’s TV channels: “I feel good - obviously it makes a difference when you play a few games in a row as opposed to one game every couple of weeks, when it’s hard to get that momentum.
Ange Postecoglou has always wanted to do things his way
“If I look back at the last 18 months, I’ve missed both pre-seasons for different issues - I was out for the best part of six months with my broken foot, and it’s always harder when you miss pre-season. If you put a run of games together, whether you’re a goalkeeper or anywhere else, you grow into that position.
“It’s not an easy role (being back-up keeper) because you want to play every game, but when Vic’s fit and playing you have to think about what you can bring to the squad and the dressing room.
“For me, being a slightly older player, I’ve got that experience and things where you can help the younger guys - keeping the energy high, make sure everyone’s coming in, working hard but enjoying it.
“It’s very important for the lads who aren’t necessarily playing to do that because you could easily get frustrated, and we’ve got to be ready to play.”
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