Mark Bosnich's backing for Villa No 1

Villa goalkeeper Brad Friedel has matured "like a fine wine" according to former No 1 Mark Bosnich.

The evergreen American, now 39, has become a firm favourite with the claret and blues after enjoying two fine seasons between the sticks since joining from Blackburn.

Friedel enters the final year of his contract this term but the veteran is showing no signs of letting age catch him up.

And Bosnich, who was at Villa from 1991 to 1999, believes the big stopper is now better than ever.

He said: "Brad's appearance record is a super achievement but he has always been a very talented goalkeeper.

"I can remember watching him play for the United States in the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona when I was with Australia.

"I remember talking to my then-agent Graham Smith and saying 'this boy is really talented.'

"He had a tough time at Liverpool but since then his form for Blackburn and Villa has been outstanding. He is like a fine wine - as he's got older he's got better and better.

"Fair play, even when I first saw him he was very talented and he's developed brilliantly."

Another former Villa star, Dwight Yorke, knows all about the keeper's strengths having played with him at Blackburn.

And the Trinidad & Tobago legend has pinpointed the player's professionalism and will to win as the key to him being at the top of his game.

He added: "I got to know Brad very well over the years. We lived in the Manchester area and played for Blackburn.

"Some players mature with age and Brad is one those. He has matured into one of the finest keepers in the Premier League.

"He keeps himself extremely fit and he lives his life very professionally. Brad is a family man and I think all that helps to improving your game and he has done that.

"Some players get old and go by the wayside and it doesn't surprise me how well he has done over the years."