England cap was worth the wait for Forster

Despite the defeat to Chile, playing for his country was the fulfillment of a life-long dream for the Celtic goalkeeper.

Fraser Forster will have dreamt of playing for England ever since he first played football and put on his gloves.

But the Celtic goalkeeper won’t have envisaged making his debut in a disjointed and dispiriting 2-0 home defeat to Chile.

Roy Hodgson is still backing Hart as his first choice, but Forster’s selection ahead of Norwich City’s John Ruddy on Friday appears to put the Celtic giant in line for one of the three goalkeeping berths in the World Cup.

Forster’s sterling displays in the Champions League for the Hoops in the last two seasons have certainly done him no harm.

He didn’t enjoy losing to Chile, but the 25-year-old admits it was a special moment to represent his country.

“I was very proud to make my debut, but obviously a bit disappointed with the result,” he said.

“Chile are a top-quality team, who played really well on the night, and Alexis Sanchez was brilliant.

“It was very different to anything I’ve experienced before. There were top quality players all over the pitch and Wembley is a special stadium.

“Making my debut for my country is something I’ll never forget.

“I’ve worked very hard to get to this point ever since coming through at Newcastle United.

“Being in and around the squad and having the chance to work with Dave Watson (the goalkeeping coach) and the manager is a dream I’ve had since I was a kid.

“It’s now given me the inspiration to go and work harder.”

Hart will come back into goal for Tuesday’s friendly against Germany, but Forster has kind words for the man whose jersey he is trying to take.

“Joe was fantastic,” he admitted. “He spoke to me a lot before the game and then again at half-time. He’s obviously very experienced at this level, and he’s a top quality goalkeeper and a great guy.

“Being under scrutiny comes with the position. For the last three years, Joe has been brilliant for Manchester City and England, making save after save.

“He’ll come back stronger.

“For me, it’s now a case of doing as well as I can at club level for Celtic and, when I’m in the England squad, trying to make as good an impression as possible.”

Meanwhile Phil Jones has been ruled out of England’s game against Germany on Tuesday.

The Manchester United centre-back came off in the second half against Chile with a groin problem and he has now been sent back to Old Trafford.

Jones lasted 57 minutes before being replaced by his United team-mate Chris Smalling. The versatile player, who won his ninth cap against the South Americans, is the third United player to withdraw from the squad, following injuries to Danny Welbeck and Michael Carrick.

It is understood that manager Roy Hodgson will not call up a replacement.

Germany warmed up for their visit to Wembley with a 1-1 draw against Italy in Milan on Friday night, defender Mats Hummels getting their goal.