Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Friedel hailed the introduction of John Carew as the turning point after Villa secured a 3-2 victory over the American shot-stopper’s former club, Blackburn Rovers.
Carew came on a half-time substitute on Wednesday for the second time in two games and Friedel is adamant the giant Norwegian striker’s presence and aerial ability were key elements as Villa recovered from going a goal down midway through the first half.
Friedel, who was himself instrumental in the match at Villa Park with some key saves, said: “I thought Blackburn played very well.
“We watched a few of their recent games on DVD and they have knocked the ball around nicely in recent weeks. They did that against us but big John Carew made a difference after the break. We weren’t passing the ball around well in the first half so we needed a bit more of an aerial threat and a presence. He bought that into the team in the second half.”
Friedel said it had been ‘business as usual’ for him in Lancashire and he had no major problem in playing against his former employers. Friedel played for the Ewood Park outfit for eight years.
He said: “It was strange playing against them. It wasn’t emotional though. Once I crossed the white line, it was all business. I was always going to do my best for Villa.
“I want them to do well. Absolutely. They are the next result I look at after Villa and then Liverpool after that.
“I have a lot of friends at the club – boardroom, staff, players and fans and I wish them well but at Aston Villa we want to secure Champions League football next season and that is why results like this count.”
