Source: Team_Talk
Foster feeling the love at Blues
irmingham goalkeeper Ben Foster believes the fine start to his Blues career is down to "feeling needed and wanted" at St Andrew's.[LNB] Foster made a £6million move from Manchester United during the summer after a lack of first-team opportunities.[LNB]He had a hard act to follow after the outstanding campaign enjoyed by Joe Hart while on loan from Manchester City laid the foundations for him to become the England number one.[LNB]But Foster has been back to his best for Alex McLeish's side and kept another clean sheet during yesterday's goalless draw at Aston Villa.[LNB]And McLeish has claimed Foster made an even better start to his time at St Andrew's than Hart, who was guilty of early-season errors and uncertainty.[LNB]Foster said: "It is nice to hear things like that. Joe has done really well this season and last season as well.[LNB]"I think the start of last season was a bedding-in period for Joe. He had a few seasons when he hadn't been playing regular football and I know how that is. It is not nice.[LNB]"When you can finally settle into a team and know you are playing first-team football and are an important part of the team, it is a good feeling.[LNB]"It is something I and him similarly get a buzz from.[LNB]"People say I look full of confidence but it really is just from playing first-team football, knowing you are needed and wanted.[LNB]"It's a feeling I've not really had for a good few years and I'm loving every minute of it as well."[LNB]Foster is also quick to recognise the influence of Birmingham goalkeeping coach Dave Watson, the former England Under-21 player.[LNB]He said: "Dave has been fantastic. I met Dave just before I signed. I'd heard a lot about him which was so positive.[LNB]"Now I'm here he is a great guy to work with. He is a bit busy at times but he is a top man.[LNB]"He is one of those who will listen to you but you know he is always going to give you plenty (of advice) back as well."[LNB]Foster's outstanding form has also provided a personal bonus by helping the success of his "dream team".[LNB]He joked: "It is nice to have had two successive clean sheets and good for my dream team, because I am the goalie in my team.[LNB]"In my mini league I'm on fire. I'm top at the minute. I'll have to wait to the update to see where I am."[LNB]Meanwhile, Villa defender Luke Young praised the derby performance of rookie defender Ciaran Clark, who was employed in an unaccustomed holding midfield role by manager Gerard Houllier.[LNB]Young said: "The goals are not coming for us at the minute but I think a big plus was Ciaran Clark's performance in the centre of midfield.[LNB]"The manager has spotted something there that no-one else saw and he was brilliant. It looks like a role he could fill for us.[LNB]"We had a few jokes that when Birmingham got our team sheet that they would think we were probably going to play three at the back or something like that.[LNB]"I think we all believe Ciaran is a good ball player and he showed that and played really well."[LNB]Young is pleased to be back playing ahead of schedule after missing three matches with a hamstring problem.[LNB]He said: "It was just nice to get back out there and get a game under my belt because I've had a frustrating couple of weeks.[LNB]"The plus point was that I managed to get back a week before I probably felt I would. I pushed on the last couple of days and managed to start."
