Fergie Backs Foster

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits he sees Ben Foster as a long-term No1 - for both club and country.

"I can see Ben being England's goalkeeper for the next few years and his return to fitness is good news for England," Ferguson stated. "With David James, a really experienced keeper, back in the England squad, it shows that a young keeper like Ben has got a real chance.

"But Edwin van der Sar has been one of the best goalkeepers of all time and he will start the season in goal for us at United.

"Edwin is approaching 38, but he could easily go on until he is 40. Ben is young and has at least 15 years ahead of him, so there is no need for him to panic because his time will come.

"We didn't expect Ben back so quickly and that is why I did not name him in my European squad for the Champions League. When we saw the way he performed in his one game for us at Derby, it was something of a regret, but we were fortunate in that we had Edwin and Tomasz Kuszczak, so we weren't too bad in that department.

"Ben has real ability, though, and he will certainly be challenging for a first-team place this season."