Club News

Clarke: Brazil carrot will drive Foster

Boss gives his thoughts on how keeper's international ambitions will affect Albion

STEVE Clarke believes Ben Foster’s World Cup challenge will help drive him on to surpass the outstanding form he showed for the Baggies last term.

The Albion No.1 was again in the running for the club’s player-of-the-season awards due to performances that ultimately saw him make himself available for international duty again - and earn an England recall.

Foster was handed his sixth cap as a half-time substitute in last month’s 1-1 draw with the Republic of Ireland.

And he is now battling it out with Joe Hart for the England No.1 spot as Roy Hodgson’s men look to book their place at next summer’s World Cup finals in Brazil.

“I think he will benefit from the fact that he wants to go and represent his country at the World Cup next year,” said Clarke.

“He needs to have a good season.

“If Ben’s ambition is to play for England in the World Cup in Brazil then West Brom can only benefit from that.”