Antonio Conte on Celtic influence behind Tottenham transfer call as boss carries lasting Champions League impression

Tottenham boss Antonio Conte has revealed that seeing Fraser Forster impress for Celtic during their Champions League showdown back in 2013.

Neil Lennon led the Hoops out of the group stage with a string of impressive European results - including the infamous victory over Barcelona at Celtic Park - and the Scottish Premiership champions would face off against Conte's dominant Juventus side in the last 16 of Europe's elite competition. The Serie A winners cruised to victory over two legs with a convincing 5-0 aggregate victory, but Conte was left impressed with the performance of England cap Forster.

The 34-year-old would be snapped up by the Italian in the summer following the end of his Southampton contract, and the former Parkhead stopper is the number one in North London as it stands following an injury to captain Hugo Lloris. Conte has revealed he has been a long-term admirer of Foster since the double header in Turin in Glasgow.

Speaking ahead of the clash with Southampton, Conte said: ""For sure Fraser is playing very well. He's showing to be a reliable player. He's showing to be a really good guy.

"I remembered him well from in the Champions League when we played Celtic with Juventus. He impressed me and the way to be a keeper.

"At the same time, he's a really good person, a positive person for this dressing room. I think it was a fantastic signing for the club and he's showing he deserves credit."

However, he admitted Lloris would be number one when he returned from injury, adding: "For sure Hugo is our keeper but before to come back he has to stay well. We won't force the situation because Fraser deserves credit. We are really happy with Fraser but when Hugo will be ready he is our first choice."

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