Ben Watson admits his relationship with Manchester United goalkeeper coach Eric Steele helped Birmingham City land Ben Foster.
Brum keeper coach Watson did wonders for Manchester City No1 Joe Hart last season and is doing the same for Foster this term.
"Because of Joe's success with us it was clear by last Christmas that we wouldn't be able to keep him," Watson told the Independent. "From January, it was my job to find a replacement. Eric Steele, who inspired me when he was my coach at Barnsley, is now at Man United. He gave me an insight into Ben's psyche.
"His recommendation certainly played a part in my wanting to pursue it. Ben wanted to play regularly. You can train all you want but if you have no platform to perform on at the end of the week, it's hard to stay focused and drive on day after day. When you're game-ready and playing, your concentration levels rise and you build an understanding with defenders."
