Albion keeper ready for Villa challenge
BEING the talk of the Midlands this week should give Albion a lift in Saturday's derby against Aston Villa.
That's according to Ben Foster, who looked ahead to this weekend's Barclays Premier League fixture admitting he had been inundated with personal reminders to ensure the home side perform at their best.
Foster is looking forward to the challenge.
"I know what's at stake in these matches," said the England international.
"I've seen Baggies fans around the Midlands this week and they've all being telling me what we need to do - this is the one they talk about.
"There will be a lot of emotion on Saturday.
"The main feeling is that this is for the fans. It's the big one. Several months of bragging rights depend on this game.
"All hell broke loose in last year's game at Villa Park when it all went a bit crazy.
"We're at home, we will have a loud support and we will look forward to it."
Foster claims a pre-match pep talk before last weekend's trip to Hull will give Albion a further derby day boost when they return to action at The Hawthorns.
The Baggies drew 0-0 last Saturday and were unfortunate not to claim a victory - Graham Dorrans saw an early spot-kick saved.
Despite Albion's failure to win, Foster believes the players can use last weekend as a nudge towards a much-needed victory this weekend.
He added: "We had a meeting before the Hull fixture about how important these fixtures are. We need to look at ourselves - we know we shouldn't be where we are.
"We know we need to pick up points. We had some good chances, with the penalty and their goalkeeper making a good save late on.
"Now we can go into this game with Villa in a more confident mood."