Ben Foster: Drop talk is banned

Keeper Ben Foster today revealed talk of relegation has been banned by the Baggies as he targeted a key trio of fixtures in the weeks ahead.

Keeper Ben Foster today revealed talk of relegation has been banned by the Baggies as he targeted a key trio of fixtures in the weeks ahead.

Although the Baggies remain part of the congested pack of teams above the Premier League drop zone, Foster insists there is growing confidence within Roy Hodgson's squad.

And with Saturday's trip to QPR followed by clashes against Wigan and Blackburn, Foster believes the chance is there for this group of players to make Albion finally feel at home in the top flight.

"These three games are big for us," said the former Blues No.1. "You look at who we've played so far and we've acquitted ourselves well against most of the top clubs.

"But the main thing is that we've taken points from those clubs around us.

"Talk of relegation has been banned at the training ground and, personally, I don't think we've got anything to worry about."

Foster also reserved special praise for fellow new-boy Gareth McAuley.

The unheralded free-transfer steal from Ipswich has been a major factor in Albion's defensive stability, and the Baggies keeper paid tribite to the Northern Ireland man.

"He's so calm and confident in how he goes about his job," he said. "As a goalkeeper you appreciate having him in front of you – in many ways he's the ideal defender."