Source: Daily_Mail
Ben Foster will bounce back from West Ham howler, says Alex McLeish
Alex McLeish has hailed Birmingham keeper Ben Foster as 'world class' as he backed him to return to form after his glaring Carling Cup error against West Ham.[LNB]Foster has been in superb form for the Blues since his £6million summer move from Manchester United and regained his spot in the England squad. [LNB] Howler: Carlton Cole's effort goes through the legs of Ben Foster[LNB]His mistake allowed the Hammers to gain a 2-1 win at Upton Park and now Foster has to face the challenge of Sunday's derby clash with Aston Villa at St Andrew's. [LNB]But McLeish has no doubt that Foster will put that behind him and go on to again prove his quality. [LNB]McLeish said: 'Keepers are in that unfortunate world where a mistake normally leads to a goal. [LNB]'Edwin van der Sar did one earlier in the season against West Brom and Joe Hart one the other night against Leicester in the FA Cup. [LNB] Would you Luke at that: Foster saves at the feet of Blackpool's Varney [LNB]'But they don't make too many errors, the great goalkeepers. 'On coaching courses, I was taught international players have one off game in 15, world class players have one off game in 25 and even more. 'Foster's statistics are of the world class kind.'[LNB]McLeish added: 'I wouldn't expect Ben to be making too many mistakes like that over the course of the next couple of years. [LNB]'He made mistakes at Manchester United and recovered from them. He is a fantastic keeper. [LNB]Under pressure: Birmingham face Houllier's Villa on Sunday [LNB]'The big man has saved us many points this season and been excellent in every game. [LNB]'He is human and will bounce back from that and I'm sure he will want to atone and be as good as he has been for the whole season.'[LNB] Villa will head to St Andrew's in the bottom three of the Barclays Premier League but McLeish expects them to pull clear of danger by the end of the season.[LNB] He said: 'Is it a surprise to see Villa in the bottom three? The Premier League is unforgiving. It is not to be taken for granted. [LNB]I would never do that and I don't think Gerard Houllier (Villa manager) would either. [LNB]'People say it is a surprise but it can happen to any team. Middlesbrough spent millions a few years ago and got relegated. It doesn't guarantee anything, spending money.[LNB]'It is about team building and getting the very best out of your players. [LNB]'Villa have got a lot of good players and I'm sure they won't be there at the end of the season.'[LNB]McLeish believes Birmingham are still playing catch-up with Villa in terms of their financial clout. [LNB]He said: 'We've got a bit closer to Villa in terms of the technical side. "In terms of financial riches, they are still way, way ahead of us.'[LNB] McLeish will include winger David Bentley - signed on loan from Tottenham for the rest of the season - in the squad. [LNB]He is also hoping to tie up the capture of Rangers striker Kenny Miller at some juncture in the next 24 hours. [LNB]Central defender Scott Dann is ruled out with a torn hamstring but midfielder Lee Bowyer is available after completing a three game ban. [LNB] Birmingham v ASTON VILLA: Gerard Houllier without banned Emile Heskey and Ashley YoungBIRMINGHAM v Aston Villa: David Bentley set to make debut in Second City derbyThe Firing Line: Taken for Granted? Hammers boss survives midweek chopBIRMINGHAM CITY FC NEW S FROM ACROSS THE WEB Explore more:People: David Bentley, Joe Hart, Lee Bowyer, Scott Dann, Alex McLeish, Gerard Houllier, Edwin Van Der Sar, Ben Foster Places: Birmingham, United Kingdom
