Club News

Foster hopes he impressed Hodgson

Baggies No.1 disappointed with Chelsea defeat and speaks for first time on England decision

BEN Foster was disappointed to lose 1-0 at Chelsea today – but took consolation from his own performance with England boss Roy Hodgson watching from the stands at Stamford Bridge.

The Baggies No.1 earlier this week announced he is again making himself available for his country after putting his international career on hold due to injuries and family reasons in May 2011.

He pulled off a string of fine saves against Rafa Benitez’ Blues and hopes his form will be enough to earn him a place in Hodgson’s squad for this month’s World Cup qualifiers with San Marino and Montenegro.

“We always knew coming to Chelsea is tough and, to be fair, they were brilliant,” said Foster.

“They were so sharp and when they play those three little central midfielders they are so good.

“At the end of the day I think we did really well.

“I think we had a bit of a late onslaught and in the last couple of minutes we were slinging balls in the box and causing a bit of panic - but couldn’t get it in the back of the net.

“Their quality shone through really.”

The 29-year-old stopper admitted he did not know Hodgson was at today’s Barclays Premier League encounter.

But he revealed he had spoken to the ex-Baggies boss and England goalkeeper coach Dave Watson, who he worked with at Birmingham City, last week.

“I didn’t know he was there,” added Foster.

“But it was good to put on a good performance.

“I’ve been playing well lately and I just want to carry on that form.

“We’re very happy with our league position, we got to 40 points with 11 games to spare and we just want to kick on from here – the main thing is the team.

“I spoke to Roy last week about England and he was very happy with it.

“I also spoke to the goalkeeper coach Dave Watson.

“I’m very happy with the decision as well.

“The main reason I’ve made the decision is my body really has improved a lot over the last few years – they’re the best I’ve had.

“The kids are getting on for four and five now and starting school so I won’t see them as much now.

“That was the main reason behind it.

“Roy also knows what I’m about.

“He worked with me for a year at West Brom and he knows what he’s going to get from me.

“He said there are a lot of good goalkeepers out there so go out there and show me you can get into the team.

“You don’t expect to walk straight back into the team but I’ll take every game as it comes and go out there and look to do as well as I can for West Brom.”