IF Gael Clichy's Istanbul Basaksehir side are knocked out of Europe at Turf Moor tonight then the left-back will take comfort in the success of 'tremendous character' Joe Hart.

The two former City stars will be reunited again at Turf Moor tonight as Hart's Clarets seek to edge past Clichy's Basaksehir in the Europa League third qualifying round.

After a goalless draw last week in Istanbul the tie is delicately poised but if Burnley do progress Clichy said he would be happy for 'top man' Hart.

"As a character he’s an amazing guy. In five years I’ve been with him I never heard or saw him talk badly about somebody, even if we all know in football it’s pretty easy to talk down about somebody," Clichy said at Turf Moor on Wednesday night.

"He’s a very positive guy. He will do everything for his teammates so what Burnley is getting is a top quality goalkeeper and a top man.

"He was the captain at one point at City and I think he could become the captain at any club he plays in because his positive attitude is what we need in football and he has it.

"I really do hope he will do amazing. I hope we win tonight, but if we don’t I will be happy because if there is one guy I want to do well it is him, because he’s a friend and he deserves to have good days in his career.

"He’s got many years left in his career and I wish him good luck. He’s a tremendous character."

Hart joined Burnley for £4million after a difficult final couple of years at City, when he went on loan to Torino and West Ham.

Clichy has no doubt how good the 31-year-old is though, hailing him as the best goalkeeper he played with during his decade and a half in English football.

"When you see the season City had last year, I think for everybody it was difficult to see him go back to City," the left-back said.

"This doesn’t take away his quality. For me over the 15 years in England he’s been the best goalkeeper I’ve played with and being England number one for so long shows his quality.

"Unfortunately in football things happen and you just need to work hard. People will think it’s maybe a downward move for him, but like he told me the club is very stable.

"Playing Europa League isn’t Champions League but it’s a good challenge and sometimes as a player, you want to play for the best team if you can, but when you can join a club like Burnley who finished last year on a high and have a chance to play in the Europa League it’s a good achievement.

"If there’s one guy who deserves to bring a club higher it's Joe. He did it with Manchester City."

Clichy has played at Turf Moor during his time in English football and he's expecting a tough test tonight.

"Of course some of the boys asked me what to expect and I said it’s going to be a strong team, hard to move and hard to break down," he said.

"They have qualities and the Premier League is one of the best, if not the best league in the world, so for us it’s a bonus to play a team like this.

"On a personal point of view it’s a pleasure to be back. I’ve seen the pitch and it looks lovely, so I can’t wait to get going.

"I don’t know if Burnley is the favourite but they had an amazing year last year, to finish seventh in the Premier League is exceptional for a team like Burnley."