West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Ben Foster has claimed that new England manager Roy Hodgson is the "best" coach he has ever worked under, including Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

The 29-year-old, who is currently on loan at the Hawthorns from Birmingham City, believes that the former Liverpool coach will be a success with the Three Lions after he was appointed Fabio Capello's permanent successor yesterday.

"Ferguson is obviously the whole caboodle with man-management and things like that. But as far as coaches go, Roy is definitely the best I have worked under. He is fantastic," Foster told The Mirror.

"He has a few of the fans and stuff to win over but I am sure he will get results to start with and that will be it, he will be flying. I have read a few interviews saying he is a bit of a yes-man and things like that. It is definitely not true.

"Those people have obviously never worked with Roy Hodgson before. He is a lovely guy and knows his stuff. But behind closed doors he is a tough character. He won't take any rubbish from anyone, and rightly so. You should respect your manager."

Foster, who has spent the past year under the 64-year-old's leadership, previously carried out a five-year stint working for Ferguson at Old Trafford.