This is a guest post by Tom Mallows
I have to say I disagree with the comments Peter Shilton made about Ben Foster this week.
The former England 'keeper, who I suppose with 125 caps to his name, does have the right to voice an opinion, believes Foster should leave Old Trafford in order to save his England career.
I can see his point. Shilton is arguing that first team football is vital to any 'keeper with England aspirations and had Foster played more this season he would have been in contention for a World Cup spot.
Although, given the desperate state of our goalkeepers at the moment this isn't very difficult. England are third favourites in the World Cup odds but without a quality 'keeper they will struggle.
However, I believe that if Foster does leave he would be making a mistake.
First of all United's number one, Edwin Van Der Sar is 40 this year and he clearly won't be playing for much longer. Foster already gets opportunities to show his talent in cup games so he does get time on the park.
And from what we have seen he has not yet convinced us he is ready to be England's number one anyway so what use would more games be? It is the question mark over his ability and not a lack of games that has stopped him claiming and England spot.
Also to be understudy to such an experienced keeper is a bonus. Foster should watch and learn from the Dutchman knowing that in one or two years he will have the chance to succeed him.
The likes of Nigel Martyn, David Seaman and even Shilton himself played into their late 30s and early 40s, so the goalkeeper's shelf life is a lot longer than that of outfield players. Foster, who turned 27 this month, has time on his side and needn't panic.
Also if he does leave, where will he go? Manchester United are the biggest club in the world, so leaving them will always be a step down.
The rest of the big four, Spurs, Villa, Everton and even City have established number ones so his isn't guaranteed games there either.
You rarely get a second chance at United so if Foster jumped ship I think he would live to regret it.
Meanwhile, the Premier League odds suggest United are still in with an excellent chance of landing yet another title.
I have to say I disagree with the comments Peter Shilton made about Ben Foster this week.
The former England 'keeper, who I suppose with 125 caps to his name, does have the right to voice an opinion, believes Foster should leave Old Trafford in order to save his England career.
I can see his point. Shilton is arguing that first team football is vital to any 'keeper with England aspirations and had Foster played more this season he would have been in contention for a World Cup spot.
Although, given the desperate state of our goalkeepers at the moment this isn't very difficult. England are third favourites in the World Cup odds but without a quality 'keeper they will struggle.
However, I believe that if Foster does leave he would be making a mistake.
First of all United's number one, Edwin Van Der Sar is 40 this year and he clearly won't be playing for much longer. Foster already gets opportunities to show his talent in cup games so he does get time on the park.
And from what we have seen he has not yet convinced us he is ready to be England's number one anyway so what use would more games be? It is the question mark over his ability and not a lack of games that has stopped him claiming and England spot.
Also to be understudy to such an experienced keeper is a bonus. Foster should watch and learn from the Dutchman knowing that in one or two years he will have the chance to succeed him.
The likes of Nigel Martyn, David Seaman and even Shilton himself played into their late 30s and early 40s, so the goalkeeper's shelf life is a lot longer than that of outfield players. Foster, who turned 27 this month, has time on his side and needn't panic.
Also if he does leave, where will he go? Manchester United are the biggest club in the world, so leaving them will always be a step down.
The rest of the big four, Spurs, Villa, Everton and even City have established number ones so his isn't guaranteed games there either.
You rarely get a second chance at United so if Foster jumped ship I think he would live to regret it.
Meanwhile, the Premier League odds suggest United are still in with an excellent chance of landing yet another title.
