Houllier hopes to retain Friedel

Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier has revealed his desire to retain veteran keeper Brad Friedel, whose current contract runs out next summer. Friedel joined from Blackburn in the summer of 2007 and has been a consistent performer, keeping a firm grip on the number one jersey. When asked about a new contract for Friedel, Houllier said ahead of Sunday's derby with Birmingham: "I think it's too early to speak about that but definitely yes (in terms of staying). "At the moment, he's doing a good job, a very good job. He's very professional. With a player after the age of 30, you need to sometimes take into consideration certain things. "When you have the opportunity to rest them, do it. But he's a good professional. He has always been like that. "Everywhere he went I have never heard anything against him in terms of dedication, commitment, preparation. The boys like him as well."

Source: PA

Source: PA