Don't let Foster rot in reserves

• zocoss

  17 Mar 07, 11:07

  
  
  PETER SHILTON has urged Alex Ferguson not to let Ben Foster rot in Manchester United’s reserves next season — and blow his England chances. Foster is on loan at struggling Watford and England legend Shilts reckons he has been the best keeper in the Premiership. But Shilton believes Foster will only succeed Paul Robinson as England’s No 1 if he takes Edwin van der Sar’s job as Fergie’s first choice at United next term.
  
  Foster won his first cap in last month’s friendly against Spain. But England boss Steve McClaren sticks with Robbo for next Saturday’s Euro 2008 qualifier in Israel. And Shilton, 57, capped a record 125 times by England, said: “It’s important Foster is playing Premiership football regularly.
  
  “After getting a boost of playing well at Watford, I wouldn’t like to see him go back to United and be stuck in the reserves. Without undermining Watford, the pressures are very different playing week-in, week-out for United. There is so much attention on you, it’s the strongest spotlight and McClaren will want to know how he can cope with that.
  
  “Ben Foster has been the form keeper of the Premiership this season. “He’s been very busy at Watford but he’s made some terrific stops and kept clean sheets. And when he played against Spain, he looked comfortable without being too busy.
  
  “The manager will stick with Robinson because he has the experience. But you need real competition for places and Foster putting real pressure on him is a good thing.” Shilton is not convinced the Tottenham keeper will be England’s No 1 in the long run. And the former Nottingham Forest stopper is buoyed by the resurgence of young home-grown glovemen in the Premiership.
  
  "I thought a couple of times at the World Cup he looked a bit shaky from crosses but he made some good saves too. “I don’t think he has established himself completely but he should still be in there for the big games that are coming up because of his extra experience.
  
• imprezaWRXSTi22B

  17 Mar 07, 15:24

  awww but VDS is playing well too
• tarcki

  17 Mar 07, 15:40

  SAF shall loan him out for another season. Recall him back only if injuries happen to van der sar.
• monoslayer

  17 Mar 07, 15:41

  foster is good. he will b the england no. 1 in the near future.
• CKeer

  17 Mar 07, 18:54

  I agree. Van der Sar is not young anymore so i guess the following season Fergie should divide playing time between Foster and Van der Sar. Kuzczcak(Am i right this time? ) should leave since his deal is just a loan from West Brom.
  
  In the season after next, Foster should be handed the number 1 jersey. And Van der Sar should be used ac backup then and waiting to retire gloriously.
  
  Cheers.
  CK
• imprezaWRXSTi22B

  17 Mar 07, 20:34

  at least we wun be having a keeper crisis wif clowns like barthez, carroll, howard and taibi
• turbo_drift

  17 Mar 07, 20:36

  Originally posted by imprezaWRXSTi22B:

  at least we wun be having a keeper crisis wif clowns like barthez, carroll, howard and taibi

  Hmmm.. Well, maybe lor..
• a-Lost-9uY

  17 Mar 07, 20:37

  he's really gd..thumbs up
• 4getmenot

  17 Mar 07, 21:56

  wit hthe way Tomas is playing now for Edwin, i say loan Tomas out and recall Foster instead..
• iceFatboy

  18 Mar 07, 05:00

  I think SAF is enjoying the luxuries of having top 3 keepers.
  
  but bear in mind, what Foster has not compared to the other two is exposure to the top European games, no disrespect to Watford.
  
  for me, if you happen to play at the highest level of soccer, you get mature faster and your growth will be accelerated..
  
  and one impt thing, SAF is ruthless. Look at Tim Howard.
  
  Foster may enjoy some latitude at Watford but once at MUFC, he may make it or break it.
  
  Ultimately I do believe VDS will be a mentor to both GKs and make them better.
  Hopefully, MUFC will finally solve the GK crisis since PS.
  
  Let's see how SAF balance everything.