Forster: My saves count for nothing
The Celtic keeper pulled off two incredible saves from Lionel Messi midway through the second half as the visitors hung on for a point.
Neil Lennon’s side looked on course for a draw until Jordi Alves struck in the fourth minute of stoppage time to leave Forster and his team-mates gutted.
“It’s nice to make saves but they didn’t get us a point so it doesn’t make any difference,” the former Newcastle keeper stated. “I’d have swapped them for a point.
“Everyone is devastated, we worked so hard for 90 minutes then just had to defend one more cross but were unable to do that.
“We showed great spirit throughout the game and showed what we can do at this level and probably deserved a point.
“When you play Barcelona you’ll have a lot of defending. They never stopped for 94 minutes and we got punished. We defended brilliantly all night, everyone gave 100% for the cause, it was devastating.”
Lennon suffered more than most as he came within seconds of a landmark result.
Twelve months ago he was attempting to revive a squad of players that were losing 3-0 to Kilmarnock at half time.
Rather than dwell on the pain nof Alba’s goal Lennon was quick to highlight the quality and ability that his players showed.
“No one gave us any hope but I think we have won a lot of admirers,” the Celtic boss claimed. “They were brave, I couldn’t ask any more from them, maybe just 30 seconds more to see it through.
“It would have been fantastic to pick up something from this game but we didn’t budget for anything from it.
“I hope the players take plenty from the game. It is tough to play at this level but there are no recriminations and no criticism. I think we leave with our reputation intact.
“I’m very proud but I don’t like losing, I never have. Barcelona deserved to win on balance, I understand that. We just needed to see out one more attack but it didn’t work out for us.”
CLICK HERE for Lennon sees the best and worst of Barcelona
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