West Brom goalkeeper Ben Foster steps up recovery with Under-21 outing

05 January 2016 08:53

West Brom and England goalkeeper Ben Foster has given his Euro 2016 hopes a boost after stepping up his recovery from injury.

The 32-year-old played 45 minutes of the Baggies' 4-3 Under-21 win over Kidderminster on Tuesday.

He has been out since March last year after damaging cruciate knee ligaments against Stoke.

Albion had hoped he would return before Christmas but he suffered a minor setback in October which delayed his recovery.

As part of his rehabilitation the 32-year-old trained with London 2012 triathlon bronze medallist Jonny Brownlee while he also cycled to Paris from London with former England and Crystal Palace midfielder Geoff Thomas to raise money for Cure Leukaemia.

Boaz Myhill has replaced Foster in his absence and has kept seven clean sheets this season while Anders Lindegaard was also signed from Manchester United in the summer.

Foster, who has eight caps, has previously spoken of his desire to return for Albion to try to force his way back into the England squad ahead of the European Championships this summer.

Source: PA