SAINTS loanee Fraser Forster has ruled out the possibility of him returning to the club in January.

The goalkeeper joined Celtic on a season-long loan deal in the summer after falling down the St Mary’s pecking order.

However, reports in Scotland suggested that Saints had put a clause in the contract that gave them the option to bring Forster back early.

Addressing the issue, the 31-year-old said: “I don't think there's a recall [option], so I think I'm here for the season from my side of things.

“I'm happy here and glad to be back here playing. I just want to do as well as I can, so I think I'll be here for the season.”

Forster has excelled since making his return to Celtic in the summer, keeping seven clean sheets in 15 appearances.

Such has been his form, there were suggestions that England boss Gareth Southgate has been monitoring the goalkeeper’s progress.

Having initially joined Saints from Celtic back in 2014, Forster went on to become the club’s number one.

But a loss of form back in 2017 saw ex-boss Mauricio Pellegrino drop him for understudy Alex McCarthy.

Angus Gunn was then purchased by Mark Hughes in 2018 which pushed Forster even further down the pecking order.

Current boss Ralph Hasenhuttl handed him his first start since being axed in May against West Ham, a game Saints lost 3-0.

It’s claimed in Scotland that Celtic would love to land him on a permanent basis next summer.

Although the fact he still has over two years remaining on his current Saints deal could prove to be a financial stumbling block.

Because of this, Forster admitted he is only thinking about the immediate future.

“I'm only focusing on the short term really,' he added.

“So much of what will happen will be out of my hands.

“I'm just concentrating week by week, enjoying it while I can. The rest will take care of itself.”