Ben Foster's reward for his FA Cup heroics was the worst possible semi-final draw. But the Watford keeper is determined not to let it slow his incredible rise to the top. Foster, on loan from Manchester United, will not be allowed to play against his club if they beat Middlesbrough in their quarter-final replay to set up a semi-final with Watford. It would rob him of another big stage but, after his England debut against Spain last month, Foster has the perfect chance to catch coach Steve McClarenÂ’s eye at Tottenham on Saturday. With Spurs keeper Paul Robinson expected to recover from the thigh strain which ruled him out of SundayÂ’s 3-3 Cup draw at Chelsea, McClarenÂ’s top two goalkeepers are likely to go head-to-head, seven days before the Euro 2008 qualifier in Israel.
Foster, 23, said: "Paul is EnglandÂ’s No 1 and I just have to go out there and keep concentrating on doing what IÂ’m doing. But if the call comes I will be ready to take it with both hands. "Playing for England against Spain was a great experience. IÂ’ve won a cap and seen what that sort of atmosphere and experience is like at that level."
Foster has had two good years on loan at Vicarage Road — winning promotion, sampling the Premiership and enjoying a Cup run, but he does not relish the prospect of sitting on the United bench when he returns at the end of the season.
Contract talks are pencilled in for the summer because United acknowledge FosterÂ’s progress during his two years away and the fact that other Premiership teams are watching him.
Foster said: "If I go back to United of course I want first-team games. ThatÂ’s what any player wants but itÂ’s going to be very tough."
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