Aston Villa could welcome back young guns Kyle Walker and Ciaran Clark tomorrow as elder statesman Brad Friedel confirmed his future will be resolved before the end of the season.
Walker trained on Wednesday after missing two wins with a back problem while Clark is set to join in today after sitting out Tuesday’s victory at Wigan with a hamstring injury.
But tomorrow’s FA Cup fourth-round tie against familiar foes Blackburn at Villa Park is expected to come too soon for Stephen Ireland, Fabian Delph and Luke Young, who all have knee injuries.
However, Friedel insists he is fighting fit ahead of tomorrow’s clash with his former club and will know before his 40th birthday in May whether his Villa career will be extended.
The veteran will become the club’s oldest ever player if selected for the visit to Manchester United on Tuesday but his contract expires at the end of this season.
Manager Gerard Houllier has abandoned his search for a new goalkeeper until the summer and revealed he plans to speak to Friedel about his future early next month.
“As long as I feel good I will carry on,” said Friedel.
“I’ve always said that if my body can do it, I would want to be here doing it. If my body can’t do it, it will tell me that as well.
“I will know closer to the end of the season than right now.
