Edwin van der Sar believes Ben Foster has the strength of character to bounce back from his current problems.
Van der Sar offers words of comfort to goalkeeping rival
Edwin van der Sar believes Ben Foster has the strength of character to bounce back from his current problems.
An injury to Van der Sar presented Foster with a run in the Manchester United side during the early part of the season but his performances have attracted more criticism than praise.
He was blamed for two Manchester City goals in the thrilling Old Trafford derby and will also have been disappointed with the way Kenwyne Jones scored for Sunderland last weekend.
A chest problem then prevented Foster joining England on international duty but Van der Sar is backing his team-mate to rediscover top form.
"Nobody has a clear path in their career," Van der Sar told the
Manchester Evening News.
"You go up and down. You just have to make sure that the downs are not as deep as the ones you go up.
"I had similar things when I was young. That is what makes you the man and the player you become as a goalkeeper.
No worries
"Ben certainly has the strength of character to overcome what he has been through. How he deals with it will shape the player he will be.
"He is a very strong guy. I have sympathy for him but I have no worries about him."
Despite feeling sympathy for Foster, Van der Sar has every intention of reclaiming his place in the side when fully fit.
The Dutchman, who broke two fingers during a pre-season match, played for the reserves against Everton on Tuesday and should be in contention for the Premier League clash with Bolton next week.
"I want my place back," he stressed. "Playing in the reserves on Tuesday was an ideal moment for me to get a game under my belt before the Premier League begins again after the international break. I needed a game."
