Foster Homes In On Munich Superstars

Feb 10 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

FEARLESS Aberdeen star Richard Foster has told gaffer Jimmy Calderwood he'll man-mark any of Bayern Munich's superstars if the boss asks him to.

The versatile Dons man admits he's slightly nervous about facing the Bundesliga giants in this week's crunch UEFA Cup clash but is ready for the challenge of trying to shackle the likes of Franck Ribery, Luca Toni, Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski.

Fozzy has been used by Calderwood as a man-marker against the Old Firm's top players and the 22-year-old is ready perform the same role when the Germans come calling.

Richard said: "The manager could ask me to mark any of their big names and I'd be up for it.

"Ribery was one of the best players at the World Cup in 2006 and itwould be great to gauge myself against a man of his quality.

"It's always good to see how far away you are from the standard of guys such as Klose, Podolski and Toni. It's something I'd enjoy if the gaffer wants me to do it. It might not look like it on the pitch - I'll probably seem tired but I would come off at the end having loved it.

"I don't worry about that type of opposition the night before the game. It's only after the match if I've played badly that I'm pretty good at remembering the entire game.

"I sit and run it all through my head wondering if I could have done this or that better.

"You promise not to make the same mistakes again but you just end up making different ones! "It's fair to say I'mexcited and apprehensive about the Bayern game. Every player in their squad is an internationalist and most of them have played at World Cups. But that adds to the whole experience and occasion.

"We've nothing to lose and as we showed against FC Copenhagen that is when we're at our best and most dangerous."

Foster (right) was brought up in Aberdeen and knows exactly what Euro success means to the Dons supporters.

He'll never forget the buzz round the city after that memorable 4-1 win over the Danes at Pittodrie and is certain there will be a similar atmosphere when the Germans arrive in the Granite City.

Fozzy said: "Everyone says the nostalgia surrounding Aberdeen is a hindrance but I believe it's a good thing. You saw the lift it gave the city when we beat Copenhagen - it was as if we'd cheered up the whole area.

"The atmosphere at the game was fantastic. My ears were ringing for two days after it thanks to all those stupid hooters they handed out.

"It was a terrific occasion and with another name club coming I'm sure it will be the same on Thursday night.

"The great Aberdeen team beat Bayern 25 years ago and we know it won't be as big an achievement if we get a win.

"But there is a bigger gulf between the two teams than there was then.

"If we could get a victory the city would be on a high again.

"Then it would just be a case of going over to Germany and having to defend for our lives!"