JAN Bednarek has praised the performance of Fraser Forster in Alex McCarthy’s absence but insisted: “They are all good goalkeepers so it doesn’t matter who is in the goal.”

Forster made his first Premier League appearance of the season during the 3-2 victory at West Ham’s London Stadium on Boxing Day.

The giant followed that up with an impressive showing during the 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur, making a 2021-22 Premier League record total of 10 saves to keep the visitors at bay.

The former England international came in in place of 40-year-old Willy Caballero, who Saints signed on a short-term deal as emergency cover when both McCarthy and Forster were facing some weeks in the medical room.

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However, even with three experienced professionals, it still feels as though Saints’ stoppers share a weakness when it comes to proficiency at gathering dangerous crosses in the box.

Daily Echo: Willy Caballero, 40, stayed fit by training with Football League AFC Wimbledon (Pic: Stuart Martin)Willy Caballero, 40, stayed fit by training with Football League AFC Wimbledon (Pic: Stuart Martin)

Forster himself had a few blunders early on Hammers when facing down crosses, while he was fortunate that referee Anthony Taylor ruled out a goal versus Spurs that came after an aerial duel with Matt Doherty.

Bednarek, who was on hand to crucially clear at London Stadium after Forster had flapped at a delivery, has praised the 33-year-old.

He assessed his performance to the Daily Echo, saying: “ I think very good, he helped a lot when they crossed the ball he was very active, he saved some shots.

“So we are very happy with him to be back, he will give us a lot of help and positive boost from the back.”

Adding it’s a boost to have three veterans to select from, he said: “Yeah of course, they are all good goalkeepers so it doesn’t matter who is in the goal we will always feel confident.

Daily Echo: Alex McCarthy has been sidelined for nearly a month (Pic: Stuart Martin)Alex McCarthy has been sidelined for nearly a month (Pic: Stuart Martin)

“We always feel the support from them. Their communication is great as well so we are happy with them.”

Forster also featured in all three of Saints’ EFL Cup matches this season, while Caballero made two Premier League appearances against Arsenal and Crystal Palace.

McCarthy, 32, who started the season as Saints’ clear number one, made 15 consecutive starts in the league and kept five clean sheets, including a run of three in four when Saints’ picked up 1-0 victories over Leeds, Watford and Aston Villa.