Antonio Conte has lifted the lid on his memory of Fraser Foster at Celtic and how that influenced him to sign the towering goalkeeper last summer.

The Italian came up against the Hoops, with Foster in goals, in a Champions League tie back in 2013.

Neil Lennon had guided the Scottish champions out of the group stage after a string of impressive performances that season. 

That famous night against Barcelona was one of them.

In the last 16 of Europe's elite club competition, Celtic met Conte's Juventus.

The Serie A giants coasted to a 5-0 aggregate victory over the two legs. 

However, Conte was left very impressed by the performance of Foster for Celtic over those matches.

So much so, when the chance was there to sign the England cap for Tottenham last summer, he jumped at it.

The 34-year-old was snapped up on a free following the end of his contract at Southampton.

The shot-stopper has understandably played second fiddle to Hugo Lloris in North London.

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Although, Foster has had a run in the starting XI in recent times due to an injury picked up by the French No.1.

And Conte has now revealed that he's always been an admirer of Foster.

Speaking ahead of the clash with Southampton, Conte said: "For sure Fraser is playing very well. He's shown 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."

He added: "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."

Glasgow Times:

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