FORMER Dragons goalkeeper Ben Foster could cap a fairytale 18 months by gate-crashing England's World Cup party.

The 23-year-old has been placed on the standby list for Sven Goran-Eriksson's squad following Robert Green's injury. If anything happens to first-choice stoppers Paul Robinson, David James or Scott Carson before next Friday's deadline, Foster will be going to Germany.

That would represent a remarkable road to the top for the highly-rated keeper - a road that effectively began at the Racecourse.

Plucked from Stoke's reserves by Wrexham manager Denis Smith in January of last year, the then unknown Foster went on to enjoy a successful four-month loan spell with the Reds.

The highlight of his stint was his man-of-the-match performance in the LDV Vans Trophy final success over Southend. Watching from the stands that day was Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who was so impressed by Foster's display that he paid Stoke £1million for his services in the summer.

To gain experience, Foster was loaned to Championship outfit Watford and he helped them to promotion to the Premiership.

But Foster - who has been training with the likes of David Beckham and Steven Gerrard this week - knows a World Cup spot would top the lot.

He said: 'The last week has been mad, absolutely crazy but I'm not about to start complaining.

'If this year is anything to go by then I cannot even begin to wonder what might happen next season.'

Wrexham chief Smith said: 'Ben is an absolute natural.'

Wrexham have announced a mouth-watering pre-season.

On Saturday, July 15, Liverpool visit the Race-course, while on Wednesday, July 19, Manchester City visit.

They travel to Port Vale on Saturday, July 29.

FAIRY TALE: Former Wrexham keeper Ben Foster could be off to the World Cup.