Foster set to return

United goalkeeper poised to play for reserves

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 5th March 2008

Foster set to return

Foster: Recovered from injury

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Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster is expected to make his comeback from injury on Thursday.

Foster has not played at all this season after damaging his cruciate knee ligaments last summer.

However, he has recently returned to training and is set to turn out for Manchester United reserves against Middleborough at Northwich.

Foster had been tipped to challenge for a regular place in the United side after producing a string of excellent performances on loan for Watford last season.

And, despite being sidelined, the 24-year-old has impressed Sir Alex Ferguson with his attitude during a difficult period in his career.

"You need a lot of determination and sacrifice during a time like this," said the United boss.

"Most of the work has been done by himself. You have to get down to it. You need to work hard and not take days off.

"Ben has listened to advice from specialists. At his age it is not a problem. If he was in his 30s it would be different altogether.

"We may have had to rush him back a bit. But he is young and they are doing the right thing with him."