17 year old National League gem Owen Foster reveals he’s been on trial at Nottingham Forest, but isn’t sure what to expect next.
The youngster is a goalkeeper at Scunthorpe United, who currently sit bottom of the top tier of non league football and look like potentially playing in the National League North.
One player who will no doubt not be with them should that happen is Owen Foster, who has confirmed to BBC Radio Humberside that he has been on trial with the Premier League side ahead of the January transfer window.
He made his first appearance of the 2022/23 campaign last weekend as the Iron played out a 0-0 with Yeovil Town, who are in 19th place.
🗣️ “I feel confident playing all the time”
🎧 @SUFCOfficial keeper @OwenFoster101 chats to @mikewhitesport after making his first start of the season at Yeovil.
📲 Full interview on that, his recent trial with @NFFC & more – https://t.co/qb5iFY3aOs#Iron | @RadioHumberside
— BBC Humberside Sport (@HumbersideSport) December 13, 2022
It’s been a turbulent few seasons for Scunny, with last season’s relegation from the English Football League the tip of the iceberg.
The youngster signed a two-year contract last season so a small fee is all that would be required should Forest or another club were to sign him.
Foster has now explained some more of what happened when he joined Forest and claimed he enjoyed the experience.
Foster told BBC Radio Humberside: “I think it was something that the two clubs were discussing. I managed to go for a three-day trial, I went there, gave it all I’ve got and then came back. I’m not sure if they’ve said anything recently but it was a good experience.
“It was a lot different to what it was to here. The facilities and things and the quality of the training. It was a big step up but it was a good experience.
“All my focus is on Scunthorpe at the moment but to get the chance to go there was a big confidence boost.”
The 17 year old is described to be an exciting talent and perhaps another goalkeeper is something Forest can benefit from.
Born in Kingston upon Hull, Foster signed his first professional contract with Scunthorpe United on the 1st of April 2022, and on the 30th of the same month, he made his debut for the club in a 1–1 draw against Hartlepool and won the man of the match award.
After the game, then-Scunthorpe boss Keith Hill backed Foster to go on to play for England.
On the same day, he also received the club’s Young Player of the Year award.
Foster played twice last season for Scunthorpe at a time when the club were already relegated, but has been on the Iron’s books at Under-12 level.
The one problem would be game time, but it sounds as if he liked what he saw regarding the time spent at Forest, and if there is a lot to learn, experience and improve, would it be enough to tempt him at jumping at the chance? Or should he stay where he is, getting some appearances whilst in the fifth tier of English football, potentially sixth tier the way it’s heading?
You can’t rule out the possibility of him being signed by the likes of Forest and him being loaned back out.
He told iFollow Iron, on signing a contract in April 2022: “It’s a great feeling and something I’ve worked towards my whole life really, being with the club from a young age.
“Being involved with the first team has helped me a lot and I feel I’ve come on as a player and matured as a person.
“Travelling with the first team has been a great experience for me at a young age. The senior lads have been terrific and treated me so well.
“Rory Watson and Tom Collins have been good role models in training, and have continually pushed me.
“I want to keep developing now as much as I can.”
Here’s how fans reacted as the National League gem reveals he’s been on trial at Nottingham Forest…
@ILoveBoothferry: I remember watching Roy Carroll come thru for City in similar circumstances, albeit not in non-league. This kid reminds me of him so much. Hope he makes the same journey.
andyulla: Well done young Fozza! 👏👏🔥
ashtoncressey: And just like that we don’t loose
wells_olly_: fucking off to notts forest in march
stevenwarwick2: A good keeper that tell his defence what’s what
toyimus_prime: Great to see the lad getting some game time
morrison_sarah_76: Well done @owenfoster34 x
willroberts1510: Fair play to him
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