Foster: Physio's Humour Helps

BEN Foster has revealed the dark humour of the United medical staff is keeping him going during his long fight for fitness.

Although he could yet be back in action by the end of February or the beginning of March, Foster has effectively written off the season after being forced to undergo cruciate ligament surgery last summer.

His operation, and extensive recovery programme means Foster is still to play a first-team game for United, even though he signed for the Old Trafford club in 2005.

But Foster is not getting too downhearted; United's physios have seen to that.

"The physios have a good sense of humour and are a good laugh," he said. "It is nice to have those kind of people around you. It keeps you positive. They have a dark sense of humour. It is like a comedy act and breaks up the monotony."

"It is like groundhog day," he admitted. "I am in the gym six days a week from Monday to Saturday. I still get to keep up with the lads but I can't worry about not playing.

"To be honest, I have pretty much written this season off. Maybe I might get reserve games or go out on loan for a couple of months but I am not expecting anything."

However, when he does get fit, Foster has vowed he will not be happy playing second fiddle to anybody.

"I am only 24, so I have plenty of years left in me yet," he said. "But I won't be happy just to sit on the bench and pick up my pay cheque. I want to be playing, whether that is with England, Manchester United, Watford or wherever."