Aston Villa stopper Brad Friedel will become the oldest player to appear for the club on Tuesday night when he takes the field against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Villa boss Gerard Houllier has never considered seeking a replacement for the big American.
Friedel is out of contract in the summer and will sit down with the Frenchman to discuss his future at the end of February.
Houllier said: "Brad should be a role model. He's a top-class professional.
"He looks after himself, he trains hard and does even more in terms of yoga and things.
"He loves the game and wants to win.
"He's also a very reassuring figure in the dressing room because he's consistent."
Regarding Friedel's possible retirement, Houllier added: "I told him that at the end of February we'll have a first assessment.
"I said to him 'we're not looking at goalkeepers until we can make an assessment on what level you're at'.
"He's quite happy with that. I'm quite happy with him. I think he's done well.
"If I was not happy with him I would have bought a goalkeeper now, which has never crossed my mind."
