RALPH Hasenhuttl signals that Fraser Forster is his number one in Alex McCarthy’s absence despite the arrival of Willy Caballero, saying: “It was clear that when Fraser was fit today he starts.”

Ex-Celtic stopper Forster, 33, made his first start of the Premier League season after playing each of the three EFL Cup games and performing well.

With McCarthy’s extended absence on the sidelines, it looked as though it could be a perfect opportunity for the giant but an injury of his own scuppered that.

Caballero was signed on a free, short-term deal to plug the gap left and Hasenhuttl has hinted that he is a fan of the 40-year-old Argentine enough to keep him at the club even longer, with his contract expiring at the start of January.

However, following the 3-2 victory at West Ham’s London Stadium, it appears as though Forster is his clear pick to take the gloves.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Hasenhuttl said: “Yeah (he had a shaky start), but I am happy that he can celebrate immediately a win with us.

“It is good that he’s back fit.”

He continued: “Willy was a good replacement for the last two matches but it was clear that when Fraser was fit today he starts, and he took his chance.

“He was an important goalkeeper for us today.”

Forster struggled early on with a couple of deliveries into the area, and required a quick clearance from Jan Bednarek to prevent a goal that would have been the former England international’s fault, having flapped at the cross.

But he and Saints managed to hold on and secure only a third win on the road in the Premier League all calendar year – with Forster starting in net for the first, at Sheffield United back in March, too.

Forster’s appearance at London Stadium was his 116th in the Premier League, and he’s kept 39 clean sheets in those.