Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte has hailed Fraser Forster, admitting his previous displays at Celtic really stuck in his memory.
Spurs needed to find another goalkeeper this summer following Pierluigi Gollini’s return to Italy.
In truth, the Italian wasn’t really cut out for being the backup to Hugo Lloris and struggled in his limited appearances.
Tottenham decided to go down the common route of landing a homegrown goalkeeper, aiding their quota whilst adding a proven Premier League stopper.
Spurs picked Fraser Forster, signing the former England international on a free transfer after the end of his Southampton contract.
Forster is now featuring was Tottenham’s first-choice goalkeeper with Lloris out through injury.
The 34-year-old has equipped himself well and Conte appears to be a big fan.
Antonio Conte hails Fraser Forster after Celtic displays
Speaking to Football London ahead of today’s game against Forster’s former club Southampton, Conte has hailed the shot-stopper.
Conte has praised Forster’s displays of late, suggesting that he has been playing ‘very well’ and is showing himself to be a reliable goalkeeper.
Conte added that he actually remembers Forster from his time at Celtic and particularly his display against Juventus.
Forster featured twice for Celtic against Conte’s Juventus back in 2013 and seemingly left a lasting impression on the Tottenham boss.
“For sure Fraser is playing very well,” said Conte. “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.”
“For sure Hugo is our keeper but before to come back he has to stay well. We won’t force the situation because he Fraser deserves credit. We are really happy with Fraser but when Hugo will be ready he is our first choice,” he added.
Celtic fans have great memories of Forster across two spells at Parkhead.
The Bhoys pounced to sign Forster on a two-year loan deal from Newcastle United in 2010.
Forster racked up nearly 200 appearances for Celtic before heading back to England with Southampton.
Yet when Forster lost his place in the Southampton team, Celtic were straight in there to bring Forster back on loan to Glasgow in 2019.
Celtic’s hopes of a permanent deal were dashed but Forster is still well-thought of on the green side of Glasgow.
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