Paulo Di Canio is friends again with 'worst pro ever' Wes Foderingham

Swindon manager accepts keeper's apology for 'ignorant' outburst after substitution

Paolo Di Canio substitutes Wes Foderingham (right) with Leigh Bedwell, provoking an angry reaction from the goalkeeper (Reuters)

The Swindon Town manager Paolo Di Canio has revealed that goalkeeper Wes Foderingham, subject to his withering public criticism after Sunday's 4-1 defeat at Preston, has apologised and will be considered for selection.

The 21-year-old goalkeeper was not pleased with being substituted, leading Di Canio to call him "arrogant" and "ignorant", and threatening to drop him if he did not apologise.

A statement released yesterday confirmed Foderingham would be considered for tomorrow night's Johnstone's Paint Trophy first-round tie at Oxford. "Wes has apologised," said Di Canio. "The situation is now clear and we will move on and work together. He is a genuine guy and a strong character.

"The rules are there and he will pay his price for his actions. He has been fantastic for us last season and this season, but he didn't behave well on Sunday. He will have his chance to be a part of the team and be available for selection against Oxford on Wednesday night."

Foderingham was taken off after 21 minutes of Sunday's League One game after his error led to Akpo Sodje's opener. He reacted angrily to his withdrawal and made his feelings very clear to Di Canio.

"He's the worst professional I've ever seen," Di Canio said afterwards. "It wasn't only the mistake, which can happen to everyone. It was the arrogance later on when he started moaning to the others. That was the worst thing for me. If he doesn't come out and say sorry to the fans for his professionalism, then he is out of my team."

Foderingham had not played in the Football League before Di Canio brought him to the County Ground on loan from Crystal Palace last October.

"I know my players, I know Wes – he was the worst player against Stoke in the cup in midweek – he was far away the worst player, he made a rubbish performance. But I covered for him because we won 4-3," Di Canio said.

"He was nothing until the day he joined me. He didn't have one second as a professional. He is very good and it is thanks to him we did well last year, but he's forgotten everything. He's arrogant and thinks he's untouchable. The players have to come to the manager when they behave like this. I didn't leave the ground, kick the bottle or leave my team-mates."