Ben Foster driven by fear of failure

Goalkeeper Ben Foster admits he is driven on by the memory of his worst moment in football as he looks to ensure West Brom survive in the Barclays Premier League for a third successive season.

Foster was part of the Birmingham team relegated from the top flight at the end of last season, three months after winning the Carling Cup.

He joined Albion on loan last summer and suffered three successive defeats at the start of the current campaign.

But since then Foster has helped the Baggies steadily climb the table and they will go into Monday's home clash with leaders Manchester City lying in 10th position.

Foster said: "I would like to think I've always given my best and that includes all the games at Birmingham where we ended up going down.

"But going down again is something to avoid. I'd rather not have that on my record to be honest. Being relegated with Birmingham was the worst thing I've experienced.

"We had half an hour of the season to go and we were safe. All of a sudden we weren't. It was a terrible feeling. I don't think the lads here need me to tell them how bad it is."

Foster admits he is unsure where his long-term future lies, but knows he wants to remain in the Premier League.

"I honestly don't know what is happening to me," he added. "All I know is that it is a season-long loan. There's no other agreements been made. I want to stay in the top flight.

"I've been fortunate to play in the Premier League for four or five seasons and that's where you want to be."

The Baggies will be full of confidence after consecutive away wins over Blackburn and Newcastle.

But Foster added: "We know we have been playing well and it's been a case of just waiting for it all to come together.

"It would be nice if we could get to a really comfortable position. It's never nice if you have to play games that are considered to be six-pointers.

"Everyone gets a bit edgy when it's all about who gets the three points."

One statistic Foster is keen to end is Albion's unfortunate knack of given away penalties, with four conceded in the last four home games.

He said: "That's probably the highest in the Premier League at the moment. That puts you a goal down straight away.

"People say that things like penalties even themselves out over the season, but I'm not sure about that. I think the bigger teams probably do get more in their favour."

Albion defender Gareth McAuley is quick to acknowledge the part played by Foster during the first half of the season.

He said: "When called upon, Ben makes the saves and that's the mark of a top goalkeeper. We know he is that.

"He has been at one of the best clubs in the country in Manchester United and it's nice to have him here behind us. It's reassuring to have him there."

Midfielder James Morrison is expected to have recovered from the hamstring injury which forced him to miss the 3-2 win at Newcastle in midweek.

But doubts remain over whether full-back Steven Reid (ankle), midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu (groin) and winger Jerome Thomas (ankle) will be in contention after suffering setbacks at Newcastle.

PA