Fraser Forster has opened up on the 'easy' Celtic decision he made after returning to first-team football for Southampton.

The towering goalkeeper enjoyed a successful loan spell last season where the club won the Treble for the fourth successive season. But, when offered the opportunity to stay to fight for the 10 in a row this season - which they ultimately couldn't do - Forster refused.

Instead the Englishman remained at St Mary's in a bid to push first-choice Alex McCarthy.

Forster, 33, is still a big fan of the Hoops and admits he had a "fantastic" spell at Parkhead. “To go to Celtic and play 50 to 60 games in a season was fantastic for me," he said, speaking to Southampton's club website.

"It was easy for me to go back there because it was another club I have a fantastic relationship with, a fantastic relationship with the fans, so it was easy for me to go back. A lot of the staff were the same from when I was there the first time, so it was like I never left really.

“It was fantastic for me, it was a great year and I’ve have had some great games up there and it was great for me to go up there and play and remind people what I can do."

Forster has indeed ousted McCarthy this season between the sticks with 10 appearances under his belt. He believes he has justified his place as well as his decision not to head back to Glasgow.

“It is fantastic. I’ve obviously had to wait a while, but I am absolutely loving it," he added. "I obviously love the club a lot, and it is fantastic to be back playing and back at St Mary’s, and it will obviously better when the fans are back.

"There have been a lot of tough days along the road and there have been times where it has been hard to see light at the end of the tunnel, but you keep working hard and training hard, and hope that it comes together.

“I always tried to stay positive and work hard, and I am glad I am back here now and playing, it is something I wanted to do the whole time. I am glad I have got the opportunity now and I am trying to take it.

“It was tough at times when you are not making matchday squads, it was tough, but I always worked hard and believed in my ability and when the opportunity came up for me to go to Celtic and play, that was perfect for me really.

"To go back there and get some game time and to win trophies and do well in Europe, and then [I] made the decision in the summer to come back here and fight for my place.

“I’ve obviously had to wait my time and the FA Cup has been crucial for that, but I’ve got my head down and worked hard to show what I can do.”