BIRMINGHAM City goalkeeper Ben Foster has defended Craig Gardner over accusations that he’s a diver.

Gardner was dismissed by Kevin Friend in the Wolves derby for simulation, after Jody Craddock came across to make a tackle.

It was Gardner’s second yellow card of the match and he now sits it out on the sidelines stewing.

“I feel sorry for Craig,” said Foster. “There were a few things from their side they didn’t even get a yellow card for, where they could have been yellow cards.

“Craig is not a dirty player, a diver, or a cheat or anything like that.

“If he’s gone over, it’s not because he is trying to win a free-kick.

“He was probably just off balance. That’s the way he is. It’s not like he was looking for a free-kick or a yellow card for the lad.”

Gardner has been reminded by Alex McLeish that discipline is so important.