Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has urged injured goalkeeper Ben Foster to use skipper Gary Neville as inspiration.

"Ben is the most talented young keeper we have had for a long time and what the boy needs now is a slice of luck," concedes Sir Alex. "But if he feels the fates are against him, he should look to Gary Neville.

"When you consider the way Gary has been plagued with injuries for 18 months, he has done brilliantly to come back so convincingly. He is a role model for any player feeling down on his luck with injury."

Ferguson also told manutd.com: "Ben had his hopes dashed when he twisted his ankle in the Reserves match just as he was getting into his stride again after his cruciate injury last season. I hope he takes note of what can be achieved through persistence."