FRASER Forster earned the nickname of ‘The Great Wall’ from an awed Catalan press some nine years ago after they had witnessed two world-class performances by the goalkeeper against Barcelona.

The big Englishman showed those same attributes again at Hampden in Sunday’s League Cup final victory, keeping Rangers at bay with a series of breathtaking saves, including a penalty stop from Alfredo Morelos. Forster’s heroics, not surprisingly, drew praise from his manager after the game.

“Fraser, who has done it on many occasions, put in an unbelievable performance and it gives the team so much confidence,” said the Celtic manager.

“I’ve not seen a goalkeeper like him for a long time. In his first spell here, he did some incredible things and now he’s doing it again in his second spell. We’re grateful to have him. He’s buzzing and thrilled to be here, and you can see that in his performances.

“We needed him on Sunday and he just stood up and made saves that other goalkeepers just can’t make.

“I thought Kristoffer Ajer was outstanding as well and Frimpong, until the sending off, was too. Then when Odsonne came on, you could see the whole team perk up, and the difference he makes to the team. His first action was to win the free-kick for the goal, and at times he sprinkled that little bit of stardust that we were missing in the first-half.”

Celtic faced a tough test at the National Stadium as they looked to win the League Cup for the fourth season in a row, and the fact that Forster was the busier of the two goalkeepers is an indication of just how difficult the game proved to be.

However, the character of the Celtic team proved decisive in ensuring the green and white ribbons remain on the trophy for another year.

“There are many ways to win a game of football, and obviously over the past eight to 10 weeks, we’ve been playing some scintillating, brilliant and breathtaking football,” said Neil Lennon.

“On Sunday we had to roll up our sleeves and dig in because we weren’t there, but you have to accept that and be resolute. They’ve dug it, they’ve won again and that trophy’s back in the cabinet and we march on.

“It’s massive for the team, a huge psychological lift for the team. We’ll have a good week. We’ve obviously got the Cluj game, but a few of them will get a rest and, psychologically, it’s a massive shot in the arm for them, under the circumstances.

“Our motivation will be – that’s the first trophy of the season in the cabinet and the focus now for the next few months is on the league.”

Manager: We're delighted we've got our Great Wall