CAP WON’T FIT TILL I’M EUROCRAT
RANGERS LATEST Wes needs big stage to impress Southgate
Wes Foderingham isn’t expecting an urgent call from Gareth Southgate – despite England’s World Cup goalkeeping woes. The Rangers No. 1 knows that plying your trade in Scotland rarely gets recognition south of the border. But Foderingham hasn’t given up hope on the target he set himself the day he signed on at Ibrox. He accepts now that until Rangers are competing on the Champions League stage, Southgate won’t give him a second glance. And even then it still might not be good enough. Yet England are toiling for quality keepers ahead of this summer’s World Cup, with youngster Jordan Pickford set to get the nod for Russia. Behind him, the likes of Stoke City’s Jack Butland and Burnley stopper Nick Pope are the back-ups. So there’s hope for Foderingham, especially if he excels for Graeme Murty’s side. But just like when ex-Celtic stopper Fraser Forster was handed a call-up while at Parkhead – the Rangers ace admits the club have to be operating at Champions League level to get a sniff. Fo d e r i n g h a m sa i d : “England is probably a far cry for me – even if they’re not doing too well with their keepers. “There are a lot of English goalies in the Premier League doing well and it’ll be a big decision on who’s in the World Cup squad.
“As long a s I’ m playing in Scotland, I’d say it ’ s u n l i kely England will look at me.
“A few years ago when Fraser got into the squad, he was playing in the Champions League for Celtic and doing really well.
“Up here you need to be special to get picked. But I accepted that when I signed for Rangers. My ambition is to be the best I can possibly be.
“It was my job when I came here to see how far I could go. I don’t know where that is yet.
“I’m still developing and I’ll take it year by year.
“Rangers want to get back to the Champions League – and that’s the level I need to get to if I want to be considered by my country.
“The Champions League is a whole different kettle of fish.
“You can see that by Celtic’s games in Europe – it’s a different level.
“If you can perform at that level, you’ve got half a chance.
“With the likes of Nick getting in, that’s inspirational. Anything can happen.”
Foderingham at least ticks one of the boxes Southgate is clearly now looking for in that he’s adept at playing out from the back. That’s the style England are looking to adopt and no one can argue that the Rangers keeper isn’t comfortable with the ball at his feet. Foderingham admires the likes of
Manchester City’s Ederson and Barcelona’s Marc-Andre ter Stegen for their technical ability.
But Foderingham admits it’s a risky game, one that Rangers haven’t quite mastered yet.
He said: “We’re still trying to play out from the back here. But teams now know how we play.
“We’ve been a bit wobbly or shaky when we’ve tried it at times. The opposition tend to press us more, which makes it difficult.
“But on the whole we still try to play that way.
“Every goalkeeper probably played outfield when they were younger and I was no different.
“Then they realise they aren’t good enough and slowly work their way back into the net.
“I played on the left wing – but I don’t think I have the engine for that role now!
“Ederson is probably the best at it, he’s fantastic. For his debut season in the Premier League he has been brilliant at Manchester City.
“He has done a fantastic job. For keepers looking to adopt that style of play, he’s one to look up to.
“And ter Stegen has been doing it at Barcelona for a few years now.
“When you play that way, even the best teams will concede.
“But City are the best example of how it can pay dividends at the other end. If it’s not going well then people are quick to get on your back. “It would be interesting to see if they struggled, whether ever yone would have the same positive outlook.”
Foderingham believes just being at Rangers has made him a better keeper since Mark Warburton signed him in 2015.
He has never doubted his shot - stopping ability but the 27- year- old says the spotlight of being Ibrox No.1 has improved his concentration levels during matches.
He said: “Everyone has room for improvement but I’m happy with my level of performance.
“As a keeper you’re judged on mistakes and thankfully I haven’t made too many glaring errors.
“One at Ayr United springs to mind but, by in large, I’m pleased.
“I’m a better keeper now than when I first arrived. With games and experience of playing for this club, that improves you.
“The technical stuff takes care of itself. But there’s a whole other side to goalkeeping which is even more relevant playing for this club.
“It’s a tough job being a Rangers goalkeeper. Sometimes you don’t have a lot to do then there’s one save.
“If you don’t make it then you’re judged harshly.
“But I’m pleased with my Ibrox career so far. It’s difficult when our backline changes in front of me, as it has this season.
“But that’s football and I have to deal with it.”
Up here you need to be special to be picked – but I accepted that when I joined Gers