Aston Villa keeper Brad Friedel targets derby double against West Bromwich Albion

Jan 8 2009 by Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

Albion player to be capped by England when he played against Germany in November, has performed this season.

“He’s a really good goalkeeper,” said Friedel of his opposite number.

“He is one of the bright young prospects for England and I think he’s performed really well for West Brom.

“Can Albion stay up? 100 per cent. You only have to look at the league table to see how close it still it is. A couple of wins and you are in mid-table.”

Friedel is relishing a bumper crowd. He added: “There was a great atmosphere when we played at their ground earlier in the season.

“I’m sure it will be equally if not more intense at our place.

“Derbies are fantastic games to play in with the way the supporters take to the game. They are games that you don’t have to get yourself up for, you don’t have to do much psyching up.

“Any time you win a derby game that is a fantastic memory to have.”