Ex-Norwich City title winner is ready for ‘Auld Enemy’ clash

Roy Hodgson's England squad head north to face Scotland on Forster's old patch, where he had a stellar four years playing for the Bhoys prior to sealing a £10m summer move to Southampton.

The 26-year-old was a key figure in City's 2010 League One title success during an extended loan spell from first club Newcastle, and the Saints' stopper will be ready to step in if Hodgson opts to rest Joe Hart after this weekend's Euro 2016 qualifier against Slovenia.

'There's no such thing as a friendly between Scotland and England,' said Forster. 'It is up to the manager what team he goes with. It will be a very special occasion, definitely not quiet. It's a stadium with a fantastic atmosphere and for a Scotland versus England match it will be something different to what I've experienced but it'll be a fantastic game. It is all about Slovenia, really, and looking at them first and foremost.

'I played with Scott Brown, who leads by example, and he's a fantastic captain. They've got great players and it will be a very tough game.'

Forster is loving life on the south coast as part of a Southampton squad showing no signs of running out of steam after a superb start to the Premier League season under new boss Ronald Koeman.

'It had been a great start to the season for me personally, and a fantastic start for us as a club,' he said. 'There is something really special about the club. There is a togetherness here which is something I've never experienced before, especially when you consider the turnover of players in the summer.

'That's a credit to the lads who have settled in so fast, and a credit to the players who were already here for making us feel so welcome. We've got a great team spirit. The manager and coaching staff make us believe in ourselves and give us the courage to go out and play. You can't ask for more than that, really, to feel so backed by the coaching staff and everyone in the squad to be so together.'