Sir Alex talks up Foster

Sir Alex Ferguson has reiterated his belief that goalkeeper Ben Foster will emerge as England's No.1.

The Manchester United supremo has just tied Foster down to a new long-term contract, and he is now hopeful he will go on to push Edwin van der Sar for the No.1 jersey at Old Trafford this season.

Ferguson insists he is has utmost confidence in Foster's abilities.

"I have said it before and I will say it again, there is no question in my mind that he will be England's goalkeeper," Ferguson said.

"There is nobody better. I am absolutely convinced of that.

"But he has two challenges. One is to take the position of Edwin van der Sar, who as everybody accepts, is one of the great goalkeepers of all time.

"We have to hope and pray that he stays free of injury and consistency will be everything for the boy."

Foster himself admits that as he enters a World Cup season, the next 12 months will be crucial.

"It is a big 12 months for me," Foster said in the Guardian,

"I have just got to kick on and start playing a few matches. Of course the World Cup is a big motivation for me.

"You don't get many chances to play in a World Cup and I feel that provided I can play some games for Manchester United, I have a realistic chance of going."