Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew admits the club never wanted to sell goalkeeper Fraser Forster.
The 25-year old made the permanent move to Celtic in June 2012 after two successful seasons on loan with the Glasgow giants but it wasn't for the Magpies forcing him out according to Pardew.
"Let's get one thing straight about Fraser, we didn't want to lose him. But he was absolutely adamant that he wanted first-team football and we couldn't provide him with that," said Pardew.
"At the time, we just felt that Tim (Krul) had the edge. Since then, there's no doubt Fraser has progressed at Celtic.
"It was a great move for him because it's opened the door to a lot of European football. He's done terrific in a lot of those games."
Pardew added: "I think he's a very intelligent boy and that will stand him in good stead if he is selected to play for England at some stage."
