Foster makes himself unavailable for England

May 12, 2011
By: Frank Beresford

Birmingham in-form keeper Ben Foster has turned quite a few heads by announcing that he would take a break from representing England on international stage.

The 28-year-old is currently considered a back-up to England number one Joe Hart, but he has now decided to take a break from international football so as to fully focus on his club career.

“Performing at the highest level game in, game out and particularly when there’s been as many matches as there have been this season really takes it out of your body.

“It’s no secret that I’ve had a few niggling injuries and that I’ve had to pull out of the past few England squads because of that,” Foster told Birmingham’s official website.

“I’ve spoken to the management team and coaches here at Blues and told them what I want to do but it’s also very important that I say just how much I have loved playing for England and being part of the set-up.

“I’ve enjoyed my time with England and am certainly not closing a door on the international side of things forever but this is the right thing for me to do right now in terms of club football.

“Inevitably every time I’ve had the opportunity to give my body a rest there has been an international fixture and the demands that come with that.

“In Joe England have a goalkeeper who is extremely talented and a top guy and he is an excellent custodian for the national side to have. I have no doubt he is going to go on to be one of the greatest.

“But this is the right decision for me as I want to prolong my club career for as long as possible.”

Birmingham will need Foster to be at his best in the remaining two games of the season against Fulham and Tottenham since Brum have yet to ensure survival.

Being three points clear of the bottom three it is little wonder the Blues are just 1.17 (1/6) with Paddy Power to avoid the drop, whereas Betfair pays 7.10 (61/10) on Birmingham to get relegated.

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