GOLDEN oldie goalie Brad Friedel deserves to get his safe hands on a new Villa contract, according to his claret and blue colleagues.

Friedel became the club’s oldest ever player in Tuesday’s defeat at Manchester United – but showed no sign of his advanced age with a string of super saves.

And team-mate Stewart Downing believes the 39-year-old stopper has a strong case for earning a new contract when his deal expires at the end of the season.

Manager Gerard Houllier plans to discuss Friedel’s future in a month’s time amid suggestions Villa might be looking for the America veteran’s long-term successor.

“I don’t know his situation regarding his contract,” said Downing. “Maybe his agent might get him another year and he’s not mentioned anything to the lads.

“But I am sure if he keeps playing the way he has been then someone will definitely sign him up and hopefully that will be us.

“We found out before the game that Brad became the oldest player to play for Villa. We didn’t say anything at the time but I’m sure he’ll get a bit of stick from the lads now.