LEAGUE CUP:BEN FOSTER has targeted selection for Fabio Capello's England squad for the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa, if they qualify, with the goalkeeper anxious to gain the regular first-team football he so craves at Manchester United next season.
Capello watched United’s third-choice goalkeeper excel in Sunday’s League Cup final, impressing in normal and extra-time before producing a penalty save from Jamie O’Hara in the shoot-out as the Premier League champions completed the second leg of what would be an unprecedented quintuple this season.
Foster was making only his seventh appearance for United since his move from Stoke City back in 2005 but, with 16 months to run on his contract, he is keen to make a prolonged impact in the first team. “I’ve got my eyes on being in the England squad for the World Cup finals in South Africa next summer,” said Foster, who gained his only cap against Spain in 2007, before he had made an appearance for United.
“That’s a big target for me, like for any player. David James is the England number one at the moment but there are a lot of keepers scrambling for places underneath him – Rob Green, Scott Carson, Chris Kirkland, Paul Robinson, Joe Hart.
“I’ve not been in a squad since Fabio Capello took over because of injuries. When we went up for the trophy it was the first time I had spoken to the man. He shook my hand and said, ‘Well done’. I can’t expect to be in the England team if I’m not playing regularly. He has made it clear he isn’t picking players on reputation, only on merit, and that’s the way it should be. I accept that.
“I don’t want to even think about leaving United but, at the same time, I need to be pushing my career now. I’ll be 26 in April and I need to be playing regular football.”
The prospect of dislodging Edwin van der Sar, who has not conceded a league goal since November 8th, appears even more daunting than ousting James, another 38-year-old. “Nothing’s been said about a new contract yet but I’ve got 16 months left and I’m sure there will be no worries,” said Foster.
The prospect of adding the Premier League title, FA Cup and European Cup to the League Cup and the Club World Cup already claimed remains, with United hoping to maintain at least a seven-point advantage in the title race with a win at Newcastle tomorrow.
“Momentum is key at this stage of the season,” said the veteran Ryan Giggs. “We had it in 1999, we’ve got it at the moment and, hopefully, we can do it again. We’ve got to keep winning. The Newcastle game builds momentum into Saturday’s FA Cup tie at Fulham, then on to Inter in the Champions League. We’re experienced enough to know the title race is far from over. We’ve been in this position before and lost it. We’ve also been in Chelsea’s and Liverpool’s position and won it.”
Guardian Service
