Friedel sure Aston Villa can fulfil top four dream, despite errors
Mar 27 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Post
“We have a young, energetic group of lads and we’re raring to go for the next game. They don’t walk into the changing rooms head down or things of that nature. Training’s been very good, everyone’s been bright and bubbly and we’re really looking forward to the challenge.
“I think right now we’ve got eight games left and we have a very good chance of finishing in the top four.
“We need to get some results then a lot of people around the country will start thinking there’s a real chance again,” he added.
Gabriel Agbonlahor has withdrawn from the England under-21s squad, along with Manchester City’s Micah Richards, with a hamstring injury and will return to Villa as a precautionary measure.
“Both players arrived with injuries and have had treatment with the medical staff, but they have not responded to treatment,” said a Football Association spokesman. “They have now been sent back to their respective clubs.”
Manager Stuart Pearce still wants to pick his strongest possible squad for the European Championships in Sweden this summer, after the last tournament when Agbonlahor and David Bentley controversially withdrew.
In a move to pre-empt any repeat, Pearce has written to every member of his provisional squad for the tournament, telling them not to book any holidays until after the tournament.
“I thought it very important this time to go into it and make sure that the club managers and especially the players were aware of it,” Pearce said.
n Villa’s teenage striker Nathan Delfouneso insists he enjoyed playing in England under-19s 0-0 draw against the Czech Republic at Walsall’s Banks’s Stadium on Wednesday evening.
He said: “It’s important to play against players at this level and it’s good to go and test yourself on a personal level,” he said. “You are playing against different cultures and different types of footballers, so it’s all part of your education.”
n Aston Villa Former Players Association has announced a sponsorship deal with three companies worth £30,000.
The association has linked up with sports medical supplier Medsport GB, Sutton Coldfield eatery Restaurant 82 and sportswear manufacturer Pro Star.
Formed 14 years ago, the group provides support and benefits to retired Villa players and to raise money for local and national charities.
It is run in conjunction with the Aston Villa Old Stars team, which plays up to 25 fundraising fixtures every year and is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
