Stopper treating family to meal out as he tunes back in to Prem schedule
BEN Foster has relieved himself of Christmas dinner duties in an effort to focus on Albion’s double helping of Barclays Premier League action in London.
The former professional cook returned to action in the Baggies’ 1-1 draw with Hull at The Hawthorns on Saturday – following an almost four-month absence with a foot injury.
Albion head to Tottenham on Boxing Day (ko 3pm) – before another date in the capital two days later at West Ham (ko 12.45pm).
And Foster, who last Christmas cooked for 17 people, is looking forward to treating the family to a meal out ahead of a busy period for the Baggies.
"We are going to eat out for the first time ever,” said Foster.
"I did a cracking job last year but it was the most stressful thing I have ever done cooking a Christmas Day dinner.
"The fact I have two kids aged four and five you don't get to sit with them and play with their toys and open them.
"We are going to go out for a nice one.
"I enjoy the cooking and that but it is brutal and so hard.
"I remember last year I had 17 people round.
"Can you imagine cooking for 17 people?
"I’m going to take the family out instead.
“There will be about 13 or 14 of us and I will happily pay.
“It will be a lot easier.”
Meanwhile, Foster says he kept in touch with England manager Roy Hodgson during his time on the sidelines.
"I spoke to Roy [Hodgson] when I first did my injury,” he added.
"It was very good of him to give me a call.
"He just gave his commiserations because it was such a freak thing.
"I think he was actually there at the game when I did it.
"He gave me a nice little call to say unlucky.
"I spoke to England’s goalie coach Dave Watson in between quite a few times.
"I saw him the other week when we played Norwich and we kept up to date.
"Up until a month ago they were looking at January until I got back to full fitness but I have progressed quicker, which is a bonus.”