Foster ready to repay faith

Ben Foster has revealed the debt of gratitude he owes to Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson.

There was widespread speculation that Foster would be dropped for Saturday’s Premier League win at Stoke.

Foster was certainly to blame for Manchester City’s opening goal in the derby encounter last weekend, while questions were also asked about his dismal efforts to prevent Craig Bellamy scoring the Blues’ third equaliser.

Yet at the first available opportunity, Ferguson insisted he was sticking with the 26-year-old and was rewarded with a clean sheet as United defeated Stoke 2-0 at the Britannia Stadium to go top for the first time this season.

“I have to say a big thanks to the boss for sticking by me,” said Foster.

“Last Sunday was great for the team but personally, it was an absolute disaster.

“I was gutted afterwards. I was the only one in the changing room with an upside-down smile on his face.”