Forster hopes Champions League will keep van Dijk at Celtic

Fraser Forster hopes the lure of playing Champions League football next season will persuade Virgil van Dijk to stay on at Celtic Park.

The Hoops centre half, like Forster on the SPFA’s shortlist for Player of the Year, is a wanted man following a near perfect debut season in Scotland.

He has been linked with a move south in the summer, with both Manchester United and Manchester City reputedly willing to pay £10 million for his signature.

While that would provide a near 300% return on Celtic’s investment, his teammate would love the Dutchman to continue his development where he is at least for a while.

“I think it is inevitable that one day Virgil will go on to play at a higher level,” said Forster, whose own future remains in doubt. “He has been brilliant in his first season.

“I’ve played and worked with top centre-backs with England but I’d say Virgil is as good as any of them. He’s a fantastic central defender.

“He’s got everything in his game that you’d want in a defender. He’s good in the air, quick, so strong and can play.

“Technically, too, he’s excellent. Defenders with all those credentials are the ones who are most sought after.

“Virgil cruises through games up here and we don’t need to be told we are very lucky to have him. I think at the same time we have to accept that further down the line he will move on because he is a very ambitious guy.”

The question, Forster believes, is whether the prospect of more games against European giants such as Barcelona, Milan and Ajax can fulfil those ambitions.

“The Champions League is fantastic and this club gives you the opportunity to play in big games,” he continues.

“The chance to take part in the competition is a massive incentive to all players. It is obviously tough getting through the qualifiers but, if you do, it is well worth it.

“The nights at Celtic Park are something special and something that everyone looks forward to. It is great to be a part of it. Hopefully that’s something Virgil will want to experience more of before moving on.”

Van Dijk’s omission from Louis van Gaal’s World Cup squad led some Celtic fans to fear he might reckon playing in Scotland was harming his international prospects.

Forster acknowledges the logic but insists it is not the case.

“I think Virgil has been very unfortunate not to be in the Dutch squad, given the way he has played for us,” he said. “I am sure that will come in time. He may just need to be a little bit patient.

“If he keeps working away and playing the way he does anything is possible for him.”

From a personal point of view, meanwhile, Brazil and the World Cup loom ever larger for the Englishman. “I am definitely still optimistic I will get there,” he said.

“There is no reason not to be. I will work as hard as can over the next month and, if I am picked, it will be fantastic.”