Express & Star

Hodgson wants Ben Foster's West Brom future sorted out

Published
Last updated

Roy Hodgson wants Ben Foster's West Bromwich Albion future resolved before the end of the season after admitting the Baggies are eyeing alternative goalkeeping targets.

more

Roy Hodgson wants Ben Foster's West Bromwich Albion future resolved before the end of the season after admitting the Baggies are eyeing alternative goalkeeping targets.

Hodgson is urging the club to open talks with Birmingham about turning Foster's loan at The Hawthorns into a permanent move as he fears they could end up missing out on other signings.

Foster is on loan from St Andrew's for the season but has hinted he would like to stay – and Albion are keen to keep him.

"We don't know if he's for sale, or if he's going to be for sale at a price we are prepared to pay," admitted Hodgson.

"As far as I'm aware those discussions haven't taken place yet but they will have to sooner rather than later because we will need a goalkeeper and if it's not going to be Ben it will have to be somebody else.

"There are goalkeepers out there and people we think could possibly sign for us. We might need an answer before they know if they're going up.

"Some of the people we have our eye on aren't going to wait forever and I don't want to fall between two stools by waiting while Birmingham decide Ben's fate and then finding we end up with nobody. I would like that situation cleared up very quickly and the fact I am talking about it might promote a discussion between the clubs."

Meanwhile, Hodgson has ruled midfielder Graham Dorrans out of tomorrow's game with Newcastle with a hamstring problem while captain Chris Brunt is a doubt with tonsillitis. But he won't rest Scotland international James Morrison, despite admitting the midfield star has been excused from training this week because of fatigue and bone bruising in his arm.

He has also explained a flying visit to the Baggies' training ground by temporary England manager Stuart Pearce, who watched Albion train yesterday along with national under-19s coach Brian Eastick.

"Stuart is a friend and he used to come to Fulham on occasions," said Hodgson.

"He was on his way up to Wigan, where he has befriended the coach of the Warrington rugby league team, who gave his under-21 team a talk.

"He collected Brian Eastick, who lives in Solihull, on the way and they killed the morning by watching a bit of training.

"He is interested in Craig Dawson, so he was able to speak to Craig after training, which was good."