Foster tipped for the top
23 Jul 2008 - 07:41:16
Manchester United's Ben Foster has been backed by Sir Alex Ferguson to emerge as England's first-choice goalkeeper in the near future.
The 24-year-old is challenging for a starting spot with the Red Devils, after overcoming a serious knee injury to star in a crucial 1-0 victory at Derby County towards the end of last season.
Ferguson said: "I still believe Ben will be England's goalkeeper for the next few years.
"We did not expect him to get fit so quickly last season and I did not include him in our European squad. When I saw his performance against Derby there was maybe some regret on my part.
"The ability he has he is going to be challenging for a first-team place next season. That can only be good news for England.
"With an experienced goalkeeper like David James coming back into the squad it tells you there is an opportunity for someone like Ben.
"It will be difficult for Ben (at United) only because he is in competition with one of the best goalkeepers of all-time.
"Edwin Van der Sar is a man of great experience and consistency and has looked after himself so well.
"He can play until he is 40. Ben is 24, so can play for the next 14 to 15 years. There is no need for the boy to panic, his time will come."