Goalkeeper Ben Foster is on course to keep his place in the Manchester United team when Bolton Wanders visit Old Trafford on Wednesday.

Edwin van der Sar’s groin problem is likely to keep him out again and although Tomasz Kuszczak is available after serving a one-match ban Foster’s excellent performance on his debut against Derby County should persuade Sir Alex Ferguson to keep faith with the 24-year-old.

Foster was expecting to go out on-loan after recovering from surgery on his knee at the start of the season, but he was unexpectedly thrust into first team action at the weekend.

United assistant coach Carlos Quieroz described Foster, who spent last term on loan at Watford during their battle against relegation from the Premier League, as one of the best players at Old Trafford.

The former Stoke keeper has also been tipped to become England’s No1 when he is fully fit.