BENJAMIN SIEGRIST has revealed how he was once a ballboy during a Celtic Champions League clash against FC Basel.

The Swiss outfit defeated the Hoops in 2002 to in Europe's elite competition, with Rab Douglas in the Celtic net.

Siegrist remembers the clash well and since then it has always been a dream of the goalkeeper to star in the Champions League.

He said: "To play in the Champions League has been a boyhood dream of mine.

"When I was young I was a ballboy at FC Basel, I was a ballboy behind Rab Douglas.

"Basel knocked us out but I was there in the stadium and to hear the Champions League anthem and be involved with this club in the Champions League was just amazing."

Siegrist completed his move to the Scottish Premiership champions as a free agent after impressing during his time at Dundee United and will provide stiff competition for former England international Hart.

And he is now looking to push Joe Hart all the way for a starting spot in Ange Postecoglou's side.

Siegrist told Celtic TV: “Joe needs no introduction. Joe was a role model and he still is a role model for me.

“I’ll look up to him, and he’s such an imposing figure in the goal with loads of experience, winning titles in England and obviously just being around him, I want to learn as much as possible.

“But I want to compete, I want to push him – he’s certainly going to push me all the way.”