Manchester United Football Club

• Nickname:Red Devils
• Founded:1878
• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

• Ground:Old Trafford
• Capacity:68174

Foster set for United debut

14 Mar 2008 - 10:38:35

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Manchester United will hand Ben Foster his competitive debut against Derby County on Saturday following a goalkeeping crisis at Old Trafford.

The 24-year-old has been out of action for nine months after damaging knee ligaments during the summer.

Foster, whose last appearance came while on loan at Watford on the final day of last season, has never made a competitive appearance for the Red Devils despite winning a full England cap.

He joined the Old Trafford club from Stoke City in 2005 and spent two seasons on loan at Watford.

Foster, who has made just one comeback appearance for the reserves since returning to full-fitness, will start against the Rams with regular number one Edwin Van der Sar sidelined through a groin injury and his understudy, Tomasz Kuszczak, suspended.

Meanwhile, Ryan Giggs is hoping the experience of he and several fellow veterans in the squad can help push United over the finishing line in the race for the Premier League title.

"It's important that the experienced players help," said the evergreen winger. "We've had a lot of younger players come through this season similar to last season.

"Myself, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes and Edwin Van der Sar, who have won leagues and experienced tough times and run-ins before, helped the young lads last year and will help others this time.

"We help them in whatever way we can. It may be either vocally or whether it be on the pitch showing the right temperament and being a calming influence."