Ben Foster thinks it would be harsh for Javi Gracia to drop Heurelho Gomes from the starting 11 for Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

So far the Brazilian goalkeeper has played in every round of the tournament, but now the club has reached the last four, there is debate over whether or not the coach should stand by Gomes or instead play Foster.

The former England international has been in inspired form this season and is seen by most as the Hornets' strongest option and he said that he would simply have to respect the manager's choice, should he find himself in the team on Sunday. 

"Without doubt I think it would be harsh," said Foster.

"But that's what the manager's got to do, it's up to the manager to make decisions like that.

"For me, I think when you're changing outfield players, it can have a little bit of an effect on the team and the way it works, but for goalkeepers, especially when you're talking about someone of the calibre and the quality and the character of Gomey, it makes very very tiny differences.

"He's an absolute machine, it wouldn't surprise me if he's playing, but me and him are too old and wise to know anything can happen in football."

The two keepers have developed quite the friendship the season and Foster thinks that, while Gomes has not played too many games this season, he is still a hugely important part of the club's success.

He said: "He's absolutely class and a pleasure to work with every day, he's always got a smile on his face and he's somebody I think we need to keep him around the place just for his character, even if he's not playing.

"It's what he brings to the team, it's like he's the glue in the dressing room - that smiling, that talking, that joking, he's awesome and the club need to do whatever they can to keep him and try and change his mind."