CROoney
15-11-2007, 12:50 PM
Ben Foster has admitted the current campaign is a write-off for him as far as
Manchester United is concerned.
The England goalkeeper had such high hopes at the end of last season, having
been told by Sir Alex Ferguson his services would be required at Old Trafford
after two successful years on loan at Watford.
But any designs Foster may have had on forcing Edwin van der Sar out of the first
-team picture were immediately dashed when he was diagnosed with a ruptured
cruciate knee ligament in May.
Instead of finally providing Van der Sar with some competition fully two years
after he joined United from Stoke, Foster was condemned to a year of
rehabilitation.
While a return to competitive action in late February or early March is planned,
Foster knows that - with United's anticipated drive for major honours starting to
reach its most intense period - he is unlikely to be involved.
"It is going to be early February before I can start training with the rest of the
squad again and March before I can play," he told Manchester United Radio.
"It is definitely something to aim for. But at this moment in time I would take
anything; the reserves or a short loan spell somewhere. That would allow me to
kick on next season."
Foster might get another opportunity with England before he makes his first
competitive appearance for United.
Having won his first senior cap in the home friendly defeat to Spain in February,
the Leamington Spa-born goalkeeper is expected to provide major long-term
competition to current England number one Paul Robinson.
If England fail to reach Euro 2008, a series of end-of-season friendlies - whether
as part of a tour or revived Home International programme - could provide Foster
with the perfect opportunity to stake his claim.
But after spending so long on the sidelines, he just wants to get fit.
"First things first," he laughed.
"I have to force my way in at United. You can't expect to be picked for England if
you are not in your club team.
"I am an awful watcher, and this whole experience has been massively frustrating
for me.
"I had a lot of expectation for what this season was going to hold for me. It is so
disappointing when you are told you are going to be out for eight months.
"All you can do is let it seep into your head, then knuckle down to some hard
work."
Good luck Ben... We all hope to see you on the pitch next season, roaring to go (
if that's the right expression :o )
Click below to join manutdtalk.com and read all
breaking news on all things United !!!
http://manutdtalk.com/forums/register.php
Manchester United is concerned.
The England goalkeeper had such high hopes at the end of last season, having
been told by Sir Alex Ferguson his services would be required at Old Trafford
after two successful years on loan at Watford.
But any designs Foster may have had on forcing Edwin van der Sar out of the first
-team picture were immediately dashed when he was diagnosed with a ruptured
cruciate knee ligament in May.
Instead of finally providing Van der Sar with some competition fully two years
after he joined United from Stoke, Foster was condemned to a year of
rehabilitation.
While a return to competitive action in late February or early March is planned,
Foster knows that - with United's anticipated drive for major honours starting to
reach its most intense period - he is unlikely to be involved.
"It is going to be early February before I can start training with the rest of the
squad again and March before I can play," he told Manchester United Radio.
"It is definitely something to aim for. But at this moment in time I would take
anything; the reserves or a short loan spell somewhere. That would allow me to
kick on next season."
Foster might get another opportunity with England before he makes his first
competitive appearance for United.
Having won his first senior cap in the home friendly defeat to Spain in February,
the Leamington Spa-born goalkeeper is expected to provide major long-term
competition to current England number one Paul Robinson.
If England fail to reach Euro 2008, a series of end-of-season friendlies - whether
as part of a tour or revived Home International programme - could provide Foster
with the perfect opportunity to stake his claim.
But after spending so long on the sidelines, he just wants to get fit.
"First things first," he laughed.
"I have to force my way in at United. You can't expect to be picked for England if
you are not in your club team.
"I am an awful watcher, and this whole experience has been massively frustrating
for me.
"I had a lot of expectation for what this season was going to hold for me. It is so
disappointing when you are told you are going to be out for eight months.
"All you can do is let it seep into your head, then knuckle down to some hard
work."
Good luck Ben... We all hope to see you on the pitch next season, roaring to go (
if that's the right expression :o )
Click below to join manutdtalk.com and read all
breaking news on all things United !!!
http://manutdtalk.com/forums/register.php