Last Updated: Thu, 01 Mar 2012 10:00
On-loan West Brom goalkeeper Ben Foster has 'got better and better' this season, according to boss Roy Hodgson.
The former England international shot-stopper, who made the surprise decision to quit international football last season, joined the Baggies on a season-long loan deal when his parent club Birmingham were relegated to the Championship at the end of last season.
And, while Foster has been fairly consistent throughout the first half of the season, Hodgson claims he has now reached his top form for the Baggies with some impressive recent performances in the respective 5-1 and 4-0 victories against rivals Wolves and Sunderland.
Hodgson also highlighted the part that the former Manchester United custodian has had in launching some attacking moves which has produced several goals as West Brom have secured 10 points from a possible 18 to move 11 points clear of the drop zone.
"I think Ben's got better and better quite frankly," Hodgson told the club's website.
"He has grown into the role with us and it might be slightly different for him.
"I think he might have had more activity at Birmingham and here he has had to get used to quite long periods of inactivity in terms of saves.
"But I think he's got better and I thought his distribution on Saturday was outstanding.
"It's been good anyway but he set one of the goals up and his throwing and kicking were excellent, as was his decision-making on when to throw and when to kick.
"I think he's getting more and more comfortable in his role here with us and it just goes to show sometimes it doesn't matter how good you are as an individual, sometimes you need time to gel with the other guys around you to know them and them to know you.
"So, I am really pleased with them at the moment. It has been excellent."
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