Ben Foster is
growing increasingly frustrated with his inability to secure
regular football at Manchester United although the goalkeeper will
not ask to leave Old Trafford in order to further his World Cup
ambitions.
Foster started England's friendly against Brazil in Doha on
Saturday but he has not even been on the bench at club level in a
number of recent games with Sir
Alex Ferguson preferring
Tomasz Kuszczak as
back-up for established number one Edwin
van der Sar.
It is a difficult situation for Foster who started the season as
number one at United with Van der Sar injured, before committing a
number of errors, most notably in the 4-3 win over Manchester City
on September 20.
But he retains the faith of Fabio Capello at present having
started England's last two games. With a place at the World Cup
firmly within his sights, Foster is concerned at the lack of
playing time he has been afforded by Ferguson.
"It's a weird one," Foster said. "I am third choice for
Manchester United at the moment yet I am playing for my country. It
is very disheartening not even be on the bench at United.
"Edwin is one of the best keepers in the world. I can't really
go knocking on the manager's door and say he is not doing his job
because he is.
"I thought I started off well but then there was a period of two
or three games where I made a few mistakes. But they were the only
ones I made really and I was disappointed to find myself out of the
team
"It was a bit out of the blue [to start against Brazil] but I
have done really well in training this week and thankfully, the
boss [Fabio Capello] stuck with me. It is everything for a
footballer to go to the World Cup but I can't go saying 'I want to
leave' or anything like that. I have just got to see what
happens."
Meanwhile, Old Trafford team-mate
Wayne Rooney has
spoken of his pride after skippering England against Brazil. The
striker was handed the honour when John
Terry was ruled out due to injury.
"I am really proud to have been captain," Rooney said. "I was
delighted to get the job. It was a great thing for me to lead the
England side out although I wanted the win. You dream when you are
a kid of doing that and don't think it will ever happen - but it
has - and my family will be full of pride as well.
"Fabio (Capello) told me on Friday on the training pitch that if
JT wasn't fit, I would be captain. I wanted JT to be fit but I am
delighted when the manager praises me. He is a top-class manager
who has won trophies and it is nice to hear."
