Frank Lampard has revealed how he tried to sign Joe Hart for Chelsea.

Things could've been very different for the Celtic No.1 had the transfer gone through during Lampard's time in charge of the Stamford Bridge club.

Now Everton boss, he admitted his admiration for the ex-Manchester City stopper after his side's 0-0 draw with Celtic Down Under.

The Toffees prevailed on penalties from the Sydney Super Cup tie.

Hart was unable to prevent the Premier League side from netting four of their spot kicks.

Lampard detailed how Hart turned down the move to Chelsea, as he outlined his intentions to become a first choice keeper once again after spells on the bench at Tottenham and Burnley.

Lampard told the media: “I’m delighted for him. When I was at Chelsea I wanted to bring him in as no.2 as such because I thought his professionalism and ability would rub off on the players.

"It would have been a good thing for the group. I understand how he’s done so well at Celtic. He’s a top class goalkeeper and a top class lad. I’m pleased to see him doing well.”

Asked whether Hart could go into management, he continued: “It depends on what he wants. Having lived that live myself, it’s much more challenging than playing and a player has to really buy into that when they pack it up.

“You look at the maturity and development of him. I'm not surprised, he was a mature lad when we were at Man City in 2014 and the time with England.

"He’s continued with that and credit to him for going to some of the clubs he has at the end part of his career and not be starting, but still be a good influence.

“But to go to Celtic and start and perform at the highest level is proof of his character as well as his quality.”

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