MANAGER Ralph Hasenhuttl insisted recalled keeper Fraser Forster was a “better package now” and added: “He showed we can trust him.”

The towering stopper had featured in Saints’ FA Cup contests this season, having not conceded a goal in helping his side to the last eight.

Forster had been second choice in the Premier League to Alex McCarthy this campaign – and had only stepped in as cover against Liverpool in January, when his fellow stopper tested positive for COVID-19.

But Hasenhuttl has opted to pick Forster over McCarthy for Saints’ past two league contests, against Everton and Sheffield United.

In his six first-team appearances in all competitions this season, Forster, who spent last term on loan at Celtic, has only conceded on one occasion.

Asked how impressed he had been with the 32-year-old to regain his place at present, the Austrian boss told the Daily Echo: “We have two good goalkeepers and we will also in the future have the situation that we rotate or give the other one the chance to play.

“He (Forster) took the chances. He made a good job in the cup, made a good job against Liverpool at home and he again played a good game.

“He showed we can trust him and he deserved to play.

“That doesn’t mean that Alex will not play anymore – he will also get his games in this season again and it’s good to have two good goalkeepers. I trust both.

“Both have made a big development in their game, especially with the ball. We learned them to be calm, to play out from behind.

“When you compare Fraser to last season, where he was on loan, afterwards we said ‘he must play more football’.

“He showed it now with how much he can learn – then he is a better package now.”

Forster is expected to keep his place between the sticks when Saints make the trip to runaway league leaders Manchester City tomorrow (6pm).

Asked whether the Hexham-born keeper’s development with the ball was testament to goalkeeping coach Andrew Sparkes his staff, Hasenhuttl replied: “Absolutely. When you demand it then you must offer it in the sessions. He did it in a fantastic way.

“We include them very often in our rondos, so that gives them the platform for learning new things, getting calmer on the ball, having a better first touch and that helps you massively to handle the stress you have in a Premier League game.

“Meanwhile, I think they have more pressure in their sessions than in a game so far. That helps you massively to find the right decisions.”