Foster, who received awards voted for by the club's fans and players tonight, made the £6million move from Manchester United last summer to attain regular first-team football.

The 28-year-old has been in outstanding form despite injury niggles which have led to him taking a break from international football with England.

But he knows how crucial top-flight survival is to the future of the Carling Cup holders who are only above the bottom three on goal difference ahead of Sunday's final match of the season at Tottenham.

Foster said: "If you asked the fans which they would rather have, the Carling Cup after so long without a trophy or the Premier League, they'd probably be split.

"But staying in the Premier League is so important to every team that's here at the minute.

"Everybody knows that the financial things that come along with the Premier League are so huge.

"To retain our Premier League status is so important not just for us but also the people behind the scenes.

"If we get relegated, people may lose their jobs. Players are aware of that and that's why everyone gives it so much and works so hard."

Foster revealed that he has delayed surgery on his thumb to play the final six months of the campaign.

He has also suffered from a back problem and insists concerns over his physical condition are the only reason he is taking a break from England duty.

He said: "I've had a lot of niggling injuries in the second half of the season including a bad back and I've injured a thumb which has needed operating on for about six weeks.

"I've managed to get through it with a pain-killing injection.

"I love playing for England and making my debut was the proudest moment of my career. I'll be right behind the team like any other Englishman.

"But in order for me to turn out on a Saturday afternoon for Birmingham, it is important I get the chance to rest my body.

"I want to prolong my career and get as much quality out of every single game as I can."