Former Watford and Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Forster insists he has no regrets over turning down a move to Newcastle United earlier in the season. The ex-Premier League shot stopper was approached by the Magpies with a view to signing a short-term deal at St. James' park as Eddie Howe's side dealt with an injury crisis.
The Toon would sign former Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius who is now in contention to start the Carabao Cup Final after Nick Pope was sent off against the Reds at the weekend. Martin Dubravka is cup-tied for the game against the Red Devils and Karl Darlow is currently on loan with Championship side Hull City.
That leaves Karius and Mark Gillespie among the contenders to fill in for Pope. Neither have played a competitive game in over two-years, which has seen pundits claim Manchester United have the advantage.
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When asked by talkSPORT's Laura Woods if Foster wishes he'd signed for the Magpies, he laughed: “No chance Laura, no way on this Earth. Just a bit of context behind that, a bit earlier in the season I could’ve signed for Newcastle when Karl Darlow got a little injury.
“I was very close to doing it as well, I ummed and ahhed about it and eventually sort of decided I’d hung up my gloves and I’d done it for a reason and I was happy with that reason.”
Foster says he feels so bad for Pope to miss out on the final after being one of the Magpies' stand out performers this season. He added: “I saw Nick Pope get sent off at the weekend and I feel so sorry for him, it’s horrible. It’s a natural goalkeeping instinct.
"I know he’s missed his header but as soon as the ball touches his hands he can’t help but want to bring it into a nice warm space and give it some love.
“I felt so bad for him. But I didn’t realise he was going to miss the cup final. But no regrets from my side, I’m quite happy doing what I’m doing. I think I’d be too stiff anyway,” he joked.
“I’d hate to be wheeled out on national TV looking like an old man. No way!”
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