Pards: Fozzy Is The Best

Last updated : 30 October 2002 By Rob Cooper

Nicky Forster
Nicky Forster, pictured here celebrating his hat-trick against ipswich, has been in fine form recently
Pardew, who watched his side defeat Bradford City 1-0 at the Madejski Stadium last night, believes Nicky Forster could be the best player in Division One.

The Royals put in another good performance last night with Forster involved in everything as the team went forward.

However, the former England under 21 international missed six or seven chances on top of a second half penalty as the Royals stumbled home to victory.

Despite the poor efforts in front of goal last night the 29-year-old has been in scintillating form in recent matches, netting a hat-trick against Ipswich Town eleven days ago.

In the post-match press conference Pardew revealed that he feels his striker could well be the best in the division.

"I don't think anybody could have lived with Fozzy tonight - he didn't score and he's frustrated about that but he shouldn't lose confidence because he caused havoc.

"Bradford left Molenaar one on one with Fozzy, he (Molenaar) deserves a medal for having to do that.

"I think he could be the best player in this Division. In the last three games he's ran the opposition ragged. The system we use suits him and although he didn't score tonight the goals will come."