Next time you head out on the bike into the Hertfordshire countryside, look out for Ben Foster. The 35 year-old is a keen cyclist and credits his participation in the sport with keeping him fit to keep goal for Watford as heads into the twilight years of his playing career.

“I’m a member of a local cycling club, we do it properly,” said Foster, who made four key saves in the goalless draw at the Amex Stadium.

“I’m on a Wattbike pretty much every day and on a Monday, when it’s not minus two, I’m out on the road as well. In the last few years I’ve done a lot more cycling than I used to. As you get older you’ve got to watch what you eat a bit more, what you drink a bit more.”

Foster credits former Dutch ­goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar as the player who has inspired him to play on until the age of 40.

“I was with him at Man United and I think when he signed he was actually 35. He learnt to look after himself properly.

“If he didn’t feel it, he didn’t train, and that was absolutely fine as long as he was fit for Saturday.