Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster wasn't always the most committed pro, says his former Watford teammate Alec Chamberlain.

"Ben arrived in 2005 as a rough diamond," said Chamberlain, now a goalkeeping coach with the Hornets. "He was sloppy in his professionalism and needed plenty of game time but the talent was there for all to see.

"While the pros were always in early as a matter of course, Ben just came in and started straight away.

"You could never fault his attitude, it was just that he didn't quite understand the commitment that is required. We made a few pointers here and there and that helped him no end.

"He had to smarten up his act but few people could deny his contribution here was nothing short of excellent.

"Ben and his girlfriend would visit me and my wife and he became a big brother to my two children. Sometimes they would stay with us for the weekend and I know what a level-headed guy he is and how much he developed in his time at the club.

"He is 6ft 2in tall, very agile and has tremendous quickness of feet for a goalkeeper. He is a laid-back lad with an excellent temperament that has served him well both in dealing with injuries and in handling the pressure of playing for Manchester United."