After a long lay-off due to cruciate ligament injury, Ben Foster finally made his debut for the first team on 15 March 2008 in the Reds' 1-0 win over a spirited Derby County.

After the match, Foster said: “I thoroughly enjoyed it and I’m delighted to get the win and keep a clean sheet. I’m quite happy with my performance, too.”

He had every reason to be pleased with himself, twice thwarting Derby marksman Kenny Miller in two crazy minutes before the interval.

That baptism augured well for the custodian, who had been touted as Edwin van der Sar’s chief understudy and

a genuine future contender for the England No.1 jersey before disaster struck in May 2007 and a cruciate ligament injury forced Foster onto the operating table.

The goalkeeper arrived at Old Trafford after catching Sir Alex Ferguson's eye while on loan at Wrexham from Stoke City. Foster was eventually prised away from the Potters – without ever playing for the first team – for an undisclosed fee in July 2005. He's never been one to stay in a place too long, with five loan spells in three years at the Britannia Stadium, and that precedent continued after his move to Old Trafford.

After just one-and-a-half pre-season friendlies for United's Reserves, Ben was farmed out to Watford on a season-long loan. Although tipped by many for relegation, the Hornets had a stunning campaign, thanks in no small part to Foster's performances. Aidy Boothroyd's side returned to the Premier League after beating Leeds in the Championship Play-offs final. For the second year running Foster kept a clean sheet at the Millennium Stadium as Watford won 3-0.

Foster was a surprise call-up to the standby list for England's 2006 World Cup squad. Although Ben's presence wasn't required in Germany, his international bow

wasn't long in coming as a superb second loan season at Watford earned him a start – ironically at Old Trafford – in England's friendly with Spain in February 2007.

Steve McClaren's side lost 1-0, but Foster's noteworthy display was in keeping with his fine form throughout the 2006/07 season at Vicarage Road. Although he couldn't prevent the Hornets' relegation, Foster emerged as one of the great young hopes for club and country.

He will be aiming to continue his development this season as he fights for his chance between the posts.