Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte has praised the performances of goalkeeper Fraser Forster in his latest press conference.
Forster was signed on a free transfer last summer, intended to be an experienced back-up option for first-choice keeper and club captain Hugo Lloris.
(Photo by Matt Watson/Southampton FC via Getty Images)
The 34-year-old has been called upon of late to stand in for Lloris, who is struggling on the sidelines with a knee injury.
Forster has now taken his tally this season to 12 appearances in total (Transfermarkt) and has proven himself a more than capable understudy for the Frenchman.
The towering keeper has impressed many with his recent displays, including clean sheets against West Ham and Chelsea, and a penalty save against Nottingham Forest last weekend.
Lloris was ruled out at the start of February, with his injury expected to keep him out for six to eight weeks (Telegraph).
As for what happens when Lloris does return to full fitness, Conte was asked whether Forster has given him a difficult decision to make regarding who he puts between the sticks.
Conte told Football.London: “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 postive person for this dressing room.
“I think it was a fantastic signing for the club and he’s showing he deserves credit.”
On the return of Lloris, Conte said: “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.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Honestly, I would be tempted to stick with Fraser Forster even when Lloris comes back.
The Frenchman was not having a good season at all, and we look a lot stronger with Forster in goal now.
It will be a hard decision, as Lloris is of course the captain, but the decision has to be made for the best of the whole team, and at the moment, Forster is the best option.
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