PETER SHILTON has urged Alex Ferguson not to let Ben Foster
rot in Manchester Uniteds 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 Englands No 1 if he takes Edwin van der Sars job as
Fergies first choice at United next term.
Foster won his first cap in last months friendly against Spain.
But England boss Steve McClaren sticks with Robbo for next
Saturdays Euro 2008 qualifier in Israel. And Shilton, 57, capped a
record 125 times by England, said: Its important Foster is
playing Premiership football regularly.
After getting a boost of playing well at Watford, I wouldnt 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,
its 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. Hes been very busy at Watford but hes 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 Englands 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 dont 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.
