Forster not getting carried away with Saints’ form

Fraser Forster has warned that there’s a long way to go before Southampton can be talked about in terms of what they can achieve this season.

The St Mary’s goalkeeper has been one of the stars of a Saints team that has been the surprise packets of the campaign so far.

A win at Aston Villa tomorrow will close the gap between them and leaders Chelsea and underline their credentials as a team capable of giving Jose Mourinho’s side a run for their money.

Expected by most to struggle following the departure of manager Mauricio Pochettino and the transfer of star players Adam Lallana, Luke Shaw and Rickie Lambert, new boss Ronald Koeman has hit the ground running.

And Forster, signed from Celtic for £10m in the summer, has conceded only five times in 11 games by far the best record in the Premier League. However, he refuses to get carried away.

“As a club we’ve had a fantastic start and now it’s just a case of trying to work as hard as we can and try to put performances in there,” he says. “It’s a real credit to the manager and the coaches for the side they have put together.

“We’ve had a great start but it’s only a start. There’s three-quarters of the season to go. I’ll always be thankful for what Celtic did for me. I loved my four years there and have absolutely tremendous memories.

“I just felt in the summer it was time for something new a fresh start. I’m really grateful to Southampton for giving me that opportunity. It’s been brilliant. I’ve loved every minute since I’ve joined the club.

“It’s important to just work as hard as I can and play as well as I can and see where we go from there.”

Forster is still buzzing after England boss Roy Hodgson gave him the chance in midweek to return to Celtic Park and be part of England’s 3-1 victory over Scotland.

“It was obviously a very different experience being back and playing for England,” he says. “But it was a fantastic opportunity. Historically it is a massive game and it’s still massive now.

“It’s a fantastic fixture brilliant for the fans and players and one you play football for.”