After playing his second consecutive game for the Three Lions in Qatar last weekend, Foster expressed frustration with his predicament, pointing out that while he was figuring prominently for his country, he was effectively third choice at Old Trafford.

The statement was not strictly true given Foster was the man selected for the Carling Cup tie at Barnsley last month, the only game Edwin van der Sar has missed since his return to action after the last international break.

However, Foster's absence from the United bench in recent times has only increased a feeling of exclusion and fuelled speculation he might seek a loan to keep at the centre of Fabio Capello's plans.

But Ferguson is having none of it. He needs Foster to stay where he is and, while he does not think it will affect the keeper's England place, he accepts there is a chance it might.

"He is definitely staying here," said Ferguson.

"He has had a couple of bad mistakes in games but his performance level has been very good. He will be a terrific goalkeeper.

"So will Tomasz Kuszczak. They are good goalkeepers they just have the problem that they have Edwin van der Sar in front of them.

"Ben is a strong lad. Without doubt he is England's best goalkeeper.

"Without question he has the best presence and he is the quickest. He is also very brave.

"But for a lad of 26 he has not had much game experience. That is the negative part for him and that is where maybe it will cost him his England position at the moment.

"However, I am not protecting the lad because he is my goalkeeper but when I look at the abilities of the goalkeepers in the league who are English, I don't think they are as good as Ben Foster. It is as simple as that."

Whether the message has filtered down to Foster is unclear but Capello has previously said that in the former Watford keeper's case he would be willing to set aside his stated desire for players to be featuring regularly for their clubs.

Such words might offer Foster some comfort as he wrestles with his future.

So too might Ferguson's reminder the legendary Peter Schmeichel was 27, a year older than Foster is now, and went on to become arguably the best keeper in the world during his eight seasons at Old Trafford.

"At the time we were talking about him being a young goalkeeper who still had a lot to learn," recalled Ferguson.

"I remember sending our scouts over to watch him. Alan Hodgkinson went over for six games and every time he came back he said sign him.

"I was a wee bit reluctant to bring European goalkeepers into the English game I must admit. But Alan kept saying sign him and we eventually did.

"He had a couple of ropey first games. One was down at Wimbledon and the Crazy Gang were pumping the ball on top of him and karate kicking him. Schmeichel was screaming protection but there was no chance.

"He then came out against Leeds the following week and missed a cross by about three days and Chapman headed into an empty net.

"But once he got used to the game over here he was unbelievable."