Tottenham Hotspur's Brad Friedel has hit back at Fabien Barthez after the French keeper questioned his number one status at the club.

Friedel's starting position was called into question with the signing of Hugo Lloris on deadline day, but the 41-year-old has started every game since the deal.

Barthez could not understand manager Andre Villas-Boas's selection decisions, however, rating Lloris as one of the best keepers in the world.

"Lloris is one of the five best goalkeepers in the world," he told Le Parisien.

"He is faster than Friedel, he jumps higher and he is very strong mentally.

"What is happening now is incomprehensible, but I'm not concerned. He will become the centre-piece of the club. Hugo is a calm guy, a good worker. Tottenham will not let him stay on the bench for a long time."

Friedel took to Twitter to respond to the comments, saying: "Just saw barthez comments. I normally don't comment on such c**p but when disrespected by someone I don't respect I must.

"Barthez was ignorant, disrespectful and out of order to mention my name."

Friedel currently holds the record for the most consecutive appearances in the Premier League having not missed a game since May 15, 2004.