Wes Foderingham: Rangers ascent could lead to England cap

Wes Foderingham hailed Mark Warburton for dismissing speculation linking the boss with Fulham. Picture: Michael Gillen

The goalkeeper was gratifiedto hear manager Warburton inform the Ibrox squad this week of his intention to remain at the club, regardless of speculation linking him with a return to the English Championship.

Foderingham was Warburton’s first signing for Rangers in the summer when the 24-year-old agreed a three-year contract.

His performances have already prompted Warburton to tip him as a future England international. Foderingham, previously capped up to under-19 level for his country, is determined to make that prediction come true.

“It was a wonderful bit of praise from the gaffer,” said Foderingham. “I’m sure he had the next few years in mind and he spoke in terms of where my development is at the minute.

“It is something I am always going to work towards. I don’t see why I won’t get the opportunity with England if I continue to play well, progress and get into the Premiership and then Europe with Rangers.

“After that, it’s down to me and my performances. Fraser Forster and John Ruddy did fantastically well in Scottish football and have gone on to have good careers down south and play for England. I can only concentrate on myself, try and put in good performances for Rangers.

“We all know what we signed up for here and that is to try and get Rangers back to where we need to be. The gaffer sold it to us when we signed and, like he said, he can’t sell it to us if he is not going to stay here and do the job himself. He has been open and honest and said he wants to be here and take Rangers back to where they need to be. It was great to hear.”

Foderingham began his career at Fulham, the club whose current managerial vacancy Warburton was linked with this week. “Fulham is a big club and a good club,” he said. “But Rangers is a bigger club. The gaffer made the decision to come up here and everything is going well so far. It’s a project and he wants to see it through.

“I am sure the gaffer had offers to stay down south after leaving Brentford and he chose to come here, like myself and other players, because it is a massive club.

“Of course he will be linked with any English Championship jobs which come up, because he is a top-quality manager. It is testament to the work he has done. We can only believe what the gaffer has said to us and he has told us he is staying.

“He is an honest man, he sticks by his word. Respect is a massive thing for him. When he gives his word, he means it. That is massive for the players.”

• Wes Foderingham was promoting Rangers’ half season ticket offer with prices starting from £131 for adults, £105 for concessions and £26 for kids, valid from the Rangers-Hibs match on 28 December.