Edwin offers Foster support
13 Oct 2009 - 10:20:50
Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has backed struggling team-mate Ben Foster to be a success, but still wants his number one jersey at Old Trafford back.
Foster has made several high-profile mistakes while deputising for the veteran Dutchman during the opening two months of the season.
Van der Sar is now back to full-fitness following a summer hand operation and, although giving Foster his backing, is not ready to step aside and allow the England keeper to become first-choice for the champions just yet.
"Ben certainly has the strength of character to overcome what he has been through and how he deals with it will shape the player he will be," said van der Sar.
"He is a very strong. I have sympathy for him, but I have no worries about him.
"Nobody has clear path in their career. You go up and down and you just have to make sure that the downs are not as deep as the ones you go up.
"I had similar things when I was young. That is what makes you the man you become as a goalkeeper."
Speaking about his own recent return to action in the reserves, van der Sar added: "I want my place back.
"Playing in the reserves last Tuesday was an ideal moment for me to get a game under my belt before the Premier League begins again after the international break."