Friedel insists Villa must progress one step at a time

Brad Friedel's record 167th successive Premier League start was spoiled by his side being held to a goalless draw by Fulham at Villa Park.

The 37-year-old former Blackburn keeper was far more concerned with the result than any individual landmarks.

"Truth be told, I would've preferred to have the three points than a record," Friedel told BBC WM.

"It's a nice achievement but I don't play this sport for individual achievements," he added.

Friedel has been an ever-present in Villa's attempt to break their way into the Premier League's top four, but he is cautious about their prospects of qualifying for next season's Champions League while still being involved in Europe this year.

"We can't look ahead at anything. Our next game's going to be a very tricky Uefa Cup tie at home to Zilina, and I think everyone's going to expect us to win that game," he said.

"We have to come in with the right mindset and get the job done because we don't want to be going away to Hamburg in order to qualify through the group.

"We also want to finish top of the group if possible."

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