Manager Martin O'Neill hailed goalkeeper Brad Friedel after he saved a penalty and put in a solid display on his Aston Villa debut.The 37-year-old American palmed away a Stephen Hunt spot-kick just 10 minutes into his first start for his new club.

Friedel was beaten by a Jem Karacan strike just before the break, but Gabriel Agbonlahor salvaged a draw for the Premier League side.

O'Neill told the club's official website: "He didn't need a penalty save to prove he's a class goalkeeper, his overall performance was really very commanding and so assured.

"I think that given an injury free run he will do well for us."

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