Brad Friedel to become Aston Villa's oldest ever player but still undecided on future

28 January 2011 08:28
Brad Friedel will become the oldest player to ever represent Aston Villa next week - but will decide nearer the end of the season whether he wants to extend his career past the age of 40.[LNB]Friedel will surpass the record of 39 years and 257 days set by Ernie Callaghan in 1947 if he plays against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Tuesday.[LNB]He is out of contract in the summer and manager Gerard Houllier indicated earlier in the season that he would hold talks on Friedel's future at Villa in February.[LNB] Still packing a punch: Brad Friedel in action against Manchester City last weekend[LNB]But the American will know in his own mind towards the end of the campaign whether he wants to carry on playing.[LNB]He said: 'I don't know if it will be a good thing or a bad thing to be the oldest player ever to play for the club.[LNB]'I will continue to just keep myself as fit as possible and hopefully be chosen to play football matches.[LNB]'Age is a number. I don't think about it. I just go by how I feel. If I feel good and able to play - that makes me happy.[LNB]'If the time comes when I don't feel good, and I'm not able to play, I will start looking to do something else.[LNB]'As long as I feel good, I will carry on. I will know closer to the end of the season than right now.'[LNB]Meanwhile, defenders Kyle Walker and Ciaran Clark are poised to return to training after missing the midweek win at Wigan through back and hamstring problems respectively.[LNB] Celtic's tug of war! Bhoys win Commons battle but Villa eager to steal IzaguirreCurtis Davies will complete £1.75m move from Aston Villa to Birmingham ASTON VILLA FC

Source: Daily_Mail