Roy Hodgson open to international return of Ben Foster

New England boss Roy Hodgson is open to an international return for goalkeeper Ben Foster after praising his performances under his command at West Brom this season.

Hodgson signed Foster for the Baggies on loan from Birmingham last summer and he has played a major part in securing a third successive season of Barclays Premier League football.

Foster opted not to make himself available for England 12 months ago but Hodgson is not ruling out the 29-year-old.

He said: "I'm not really in a position to talk about individual players or the selection of the squad at the moment.

"That's something I need to give consideration to. But Ben Foster will be one of the players under consideration.

"He's always been a good goalkeeper and since we've worked with him at West Brom, we've definitely seen a spiralling of his performances.

"It was a nervous beginning and he conceded one or two goals where he might have done better.

"But in the latter half of this season he's got stronger."

Hodgson will take charge of Albion's final two games of the campaign against Bolton and Arsenal.

He hopes Baggies supporters understand his decision to quit after 15 months for the England post.

Hodgson said: "It's been a magnificent time at Albion. I've been made to feel so welcome by the fans and players. It's been a marvellous time.

"But the England national job is something quite different. I hope everyone understands that it was an opportunity I felt obliged to accept."

PA