Looking back at photographs from last year's Carling Cup final
have provided Ben Foster with a timely reminder of how quickly
footballing fortunes can change.
With the aid of a specially assembled DVD, Foster famously
became the penalty shoot-out hero against Tottenham, collecting
man-of-the-match honours when Manchester United lifted the
trophy.
Although Sir Alex Ferguson will not officially announce his
starting line-up for this season's showpiece with Aston Villa until
an hour before kick-off, the best Foster can realistically hope for
is a place on the bench.
He might have started the season as United's first choice keeper
when Edwin van der Sar broke a couple of fingers during a friendly
in Munich.
But after a couple of high-profile clangers, Foster has been
relegated to third on the list, behind Van der Sar - who has just
signed a one-year contract extension - and Tomasz Kuszczak - who
took over from the Dutchman when he suffered a knee injury in
November.
It meant Foster was playing his first game for three months on
Tuesday as he kept a clean sheet during the win over West Ham.
So it is heartening to realise his present predicament might not
be long-term.
"I have not played in three months, so when I see pictures of
myself holding the trophy and getting man-of-the-match it is really
nice," he said.
"You do appreciate it a lot more.
"Being only 26, you do hope there will be a lot more times like
that but that day especially is nice to look back on because it was
so special for me."
It was certainly one of the performances that helped bring
Foster to the attention of Fabio Capello.
Also quite noticeable was the reaction Foster gave immediately
after his last international, against Brazil in November.
As it was his second England game on the trot, and Foster had by
now begun his slide down the Old Trafford pecking order, the former
Stoke keeper presumably felt he was entitled to point out that
Capello deemed him the best for his country, while Sir Alex
Ferguson rated him no better than number three at United.
Whether Ferguson felt Foster deserved to be taught a lesson is
unknown. But, within a fortnight - following the Champions League
defeat to Besiktas - Foster began an extended exile, which did not
even come to a merciful end during the January transfer window as
many had predicted.
Maybe somewhat wiser for the chastening experience, Foster has
no intention of airing similar grievances again.
However, in World Cup year, he is not scared to admit his desire
to get on the plane to South Africa.
"I really want to go to the World Cup," said.
"It is a childhood dream of most footballers to go to the World
Cup and I am no different.
"I feel I have done fairly well when I have represented my
country.
"Playing against West Ham, and hopefully a few more before the
end of the season should help. I can only do as well as I can in
the games I am given."
As the business end of the season approaches, Foster can only
cross his fingers and hope Ferguson retains some kind of faith in
him.
A Premier League winners' medal would also be a welcome reward
for his early-season endeavours.
And, while Foster cannot collect one of those this weekend, he
feels the outcome at Wembley may well have a bearing on how
United's entire season unfolds.
"If we could win it would give us a big boost," he said.
"It has been a difficult season for many teams in the Premier
League, especially the top four. You have not been able to predict
the results almost since the season began.
"To get that first title of the season would be a big boost for
us. Hopefully we can all kick on from there.
"If we can go on a nice little run in the Premier League, we can
still retain the title."