Club News

Foster hoping to test ace Hart

And Baggies No.1 praises Clarke's attacking principles

BEN Foster will go head to head with former England team-mate Joe Hart in Saturday’s Hawthorns clash (ko 3pm) – insisting the Manchester City star is one of the world’s best goalkeepers.

The Baggies No.1 has continued the form that earned him rave reviews and last season’s Albion’s Player of the Year gong.

But, while he will be looking to shut-out City at home for the second campaign running, he admits his team-mates will once again have their work cut out to beat last term’s Golden Glove winner, Hart.

“He is without a doubt one of the best keepers in the world,” said Foster.

“I've had a chance to see him in training for England.

“He's got everything you want from a top goalkeeper.

“He's got the physical attributes but you also need to be very mentally strong too - that's such a strong part of his game.

“He tries to make every save possible.

“The fact he's keeping a team like Man City in games is amazing.”

Foster has also hailed Steve Clarke for the stamp he has put on the Baggies’ attacking play on home turf since his appointment as head coach in the summer.

And, after firing nine goals in their opening four league games at B71, he hopes they can put the champions to the test.

“You need a little bit of luck on your side, as you do against all the top teams really,” said the former Manchester United stopper.

“The fact we had such a good start suggests that we might get something from Manchester City because our home form has been very good so far.

“Last season it was as if we needed to concede a goal at times before we'd play at home.

“We just didn't seem to give it a go last year until we conceded, then we'd spring into life.

“The way we've started this season, without a doubt, is something we've tweaked under Steve Clarke.

“He likes us to try and attack – and if we do that he likes us to do it as a team.”