Gardner - Foster a class act

Foster: Value for money

Craig Gardner believes Birmingham's capture of Ben Foster should be considered one the bargains of the season.

The Blues snapped up the 27-year-old from Manchester United last summer, splashing out £6million in order to secure his signature.

Since then he has slotted seamlessly into the Birmingham back line, ensuring of last season's loan star Joe Hart has not been missed.

His fine form has seen him drafted back into the England fold, while he has proven that he is capable of maintaining high standards in the Premier League on a weekly basis- an opportunity often denied him at Old Trafford.

Foster's heroics have not gone unnoticed inside the St Andrews camp either, with Gardner of the opinion that the keeper represents some of the best business carried out in the top flight this term.

The midfielder said: "Ben is different class. He is one of the best signings about by far.

"He has been brilliant from day one for Birmingham and is a really nice lad.

Professional

"He is a great professional, different class, and he should be England's number one.

"We paid £6million for him but he would have been a bargain at £20million.

"He is a top-class keeper and a top-class lad."

Foster and the Blues go to West Ham on Sunday and Gardner admits it is imperative they pile more misery on the Hammers, following their recent victory in the Carling Cup semi-finals, and start edging clear of trouble.

He added: "Every game is massive. It's not just us. West Ham are down there as well.

"We need to get points on the board. We need to go there and upset their party again."