Shilton says it's time for Foster to rethink

Legendary England keeper Peter Shilton today urged Albion's Ben Foster to end his international exile in time for Euro 2012.

Shilton wants Foster back in the fold as No.2 to Joe Hart when the national team travel to Poland and Ukraine for this summer's European Championships.

The on-loan Baggies man made himself unavailable for internationals over a year ago, citing a need for more rest after his early career was dogged by injuries.

But he has played every Premier League game this season and Shilton, who is England's most capped player with 125 appearances, said: "Ben is only 29. I don't know if there is something deeper behind it. He probably thinks 'do I need to be travelling around being number two?' But anything can happen – an injury or loss of form – and suddenly you are England's keeper, being a hero and winning the first trophy since 1966.

"To me, it's a case of hanging on in there."

Hart will head for the summer's finals established firmly as England No.1 following an impressive season for title-chasing Manchester City.

But Shilton is concerned about a lack of back-up for the former Shrewsbury man – and he believes Foster, who has five England caps, could solve the problem.

"It has got to be a bit of a concern because Ben is the logical No.2 as someone who has played for England and done reasonably well," said Shilton, who was representing

England team sponsor Vauxhall at the Commercial Vehicle Show 2012 at the NEC. "Scott Carson has not really convinced when he has played for England and Paul Robinson has retired.

"Rob Green would be my No.2, although he has got that mistake (against the United States) to live down.

"It was a real backward step in his career but he has recovered and been playing consistently for West Ham.

"I would put Foster on a par with Green. Foster, when he has played for England, has looked OK and it would be nice if he and Green were available.

"It would be ideal to create a trio of keepers to pressurise each other."