Downing hails Villa stopper Brad

27 April 2010 11:17
Stewart Downing has hailed the performances of Aston Villa keeper Brad Friedel as a key component in their push for a Champions League spot.[LNB] Friedel is 38 but has shown no signs of his qualities diminishing since making the move from Blackburn nearly two years ago.[LNB]He produced a string of stunning saves to deny Birmingham in Sunday's derby before a late penalty from James Milner kept Villa on course for a top-four spot in the Barclays Premier League.[LNB]Downing said: "Brad made some superb saves against Birmingham but then he's been doing that all season and been important for us.[LNB]"He was quiet for a long time in the game but, when he was called upon, he made some terrific saves and that's the sign of a good goalkeeper.[LNB]"Sometimes you need a bit of your luck and your keeper to pull one or two off some top class saves and he did that for us on Sunday and has done it before.[LNB]"It's hard to believe he is approaching his 39th year because he looks after himself and he's very fit.[LNB]"As long as he does that, then he'll carry on playing and you can see in his performances that age doesn't matter."[LNB]Downing is relishing being involved in a battle for honours after being part of the Middlesbrough side relegated from the top flight 12 months ago.[LNB]He said: "We have left ourselves with a great opportunity to finish fourth and end the season on a high.[LNB]"It's been brilliant this season. I've been to a cup final and a cup semi-final and we're consistently winning games.[LNB]"It's a winning environment really. It's a big change from where I was at last April when we were struggling (at Boro). The team are playing well.[LNB]"I think we've played better than we did against Birmingham. Some games you don't play well and win and that's a sign of a top team.[LNB]"The top teams have done it for a while. We've played a lot of games in succession and that was a very good win. That's all we need to do, win the games."

Source: Team_Talk