Source: Manchester_EveningNews
No doubting Tomasz
TOMASZ Kuszczak is compiling one of the best ever cases for a United stand-in goalkeeper to hold on to the gloves. Since 1991 the Reds No1 position has been dominated by Peter Schmeichel, Fabien Barthez and Edwin Van der Sar. Deputies have rarely got a look in when that trio have been entrenched in the Reds role. But Van der Sar's knee injury and his wife's illness has opened the door for the Polish international and he has now enjoyed the longest run any other goalkeeper has had during the Dutchman's four and a half year Old Trafford career. England squad member Ben Foster was unable to take advantage of the veteran Dutchman's absence at the start of the season following finger surgery but Kuszczak has grabbed his chance. Van der Sar has been training with Ajax while recovering from injury and being with his wife since Christmas but is ready to return to Manchester. United, meanwhile, have rubbished a report that Foster is up for sale and Sir Alex Ferguson has maintained he won't be loaned out either despite his World Cup place now being in jeopardy. The keeper battle is set to intensify again but the 27-year-old Pole is now the man to dislodge. At St Andrew's on Saturday, he strengthened his shout to remain in possession. "I try to do my best. I've been given my chance just recently. That's the 11th game I've played now. It's good for me and my experience and I hope I can keep going," said Tomasz. Replacement "There's always talk about whether United have a got a replacement for Edwin. "We need good keepers at the club to give everyone competition but it's the same in every position. "It's good for the team. We have 60 games a season and one goalkeeper cannot guarantee to play in all of those matches so we need strength in depth. "I've just been given an opportunity and I try to do well. I can't score goals so I have to concentrate on saving them." Kuszczak certainly helped United muster a point against Birmingham with three excellent saves. And he insists grinding out a draw at St Andrew's was good and the champions can still make history a win a fourth consecutive title. "I know some people will see a draw as a disappointment for us but, make no mistake, Birmingham are a very good side," added Tomasz. "This was not an easy game. They created quite a few chances and looked very sharp. "The league is really tough this year. There's not much to choose between quite a few of the big sides and it's very close. "We have to just make sure we pick up as many points as we can so we have a big say on the destination of the title. "We didn't make it today, but we are looking forward to our next game to try to get back to winning ways. "There is obviously still a feeling that we can finish the season as champions. "Everyone will drop points. It's not as simple as it was a few years ago. "But I still think we are the ones the others have to beat."
