Sunday 26 February 2017 13:59, UK
West Brom boss Tony Pulis has hailed the influence of “fantastic” goalkeeper Ben Foster in his side’s success so far this season.
The Baggies remain surprise contenders for European football after beating Bournemouth 2-1 at The Hawthorns on Saturday, a result which saw them reach the 40-point mark in the Premier League. They did not achieve that until the start of April last season.
However, that win was only possible thanks to a couple of superb injury-time saves from Foster to deny Lys Mousset and then Tyrone Mings and Pulis says the 33-year-old has been a vital part of their defence.
"Ben's made two great saves in injury time, but it's about time he had something to do and do it well for us," Pulis joked.
"He's paid a lot of money for doing that. But, in all seriousness, I think Ben would have been disappointed if he'd been beaten by either of those.
"We're pleased with him, he's been fantastic for us. This season his performance levels have been absolutely fantastic. He's been top drawer and he's a fit lad - he works so hard in training. He's brought a lot back to this football club defensively."
West Brom winger Matt Phillips will have a scan on Wednesday to assess the severity of the hamstring strain that ruled him out against Bournemouth.
Pulis said: "It was a big disappointment Matty couldn't play because the way Bournemouth play, they're a very open and expansive team and that grass they leave behind them, it would have been perfect for him. I was really disappointed he was injured.
"But it was too much of a risk and we don't want to lose him further down the line. He'll have another scan on Wednesday to see how it is."
