Fraser Forster says he returned to Southampton in the summer because he was determined to fight for his place despite a brilliant season at Celtic.
The keeper excelled on loan for the Parkhead side last term as Neil Lennon attempted to bring him back for their Ten in a Row bid.
Forster made the decision to stay at St Mary's to force his way into the Saints first team and his patience has paid off as he's featured in their previous two Premier League matches.
And the goalie insists the decision to reject Celtic's offer was purely down to his willingness to make it work at Southampton as he talked up his "great relationship" with the Hoops.
Forster told Southampton's official website: "When the opportunity came for me to go to Celtic and play, that was perfect for me.
“To go and play 50, 60 games was fantastic.
"It was easy for me to go back there as it’s another club I have a fantastic relationship with.
“A lot of the staff were the same as my first time there, so it was like I’d never left. It was a great year, I had some great games.
“I got some game time and felt I just reminded people what I can do. I had a fantastic year there, won trophies and did well in Europe.
“I made the decision in the summer that I wanted to come back here and fight for my place.
"I’ve had to bide my time and the FA Cup has been crucial to that, but I got my head down and worked hard.”
