Mat out to copy Big Fras

New Dundee United keeper Matej Rakovan is a huge fan of giant keeper Fraser Forster – and wants to use his physical presence to scare the living daylights out of Scottish strikers too.

Slovakian Rakovan joined the Tannadice club on a two-year deal recently.

But he already knew all about Forster from his time spent watching him in action for Celtic before his £ 10mi l l ion move to Southampton in 2014.

Former Slavia Prague and Vysocina Jihlava player Rakovan, who has three caps for Slovak ia at Under-21 level, stands at 6ft 5in.

That is just an inch smaller than Englishman Forster, and 28-year- old Rakovan, is intent on copying the former Parkhead No.1 by ensuring attackers are quaking in their boots.

The keeper made 23 appearances last season as Jihlava were relegated from the Czech top flight.

But now he’s relishing the prospect of getting his career back on track with Csaba Laszlo’s side as they bid to return to the big time in Scotland.

He said: “It is hard to compare myself to someone like Forster. To be honest, he is at another level in the English Premiership.

“I know of him because he was great for Celtic during his time in Glasgow and he’s now with Southampton.

“He’s a very good keeper who deserves to be playing every week.

“One thing we do have in common is that we are roughly the same height and physicality is such a big thing now in goalkeeping.

“When a striker looks at you, the first thing he sees is your size.

“It’s an advantage to be as tall as that because nobody l ikes to see an opposition keeper staring down at them at set-pieces and corners.

“I will bring my own style but hopefully my height can help Dundee United.”