Aston Villa keeper Brad Friedel will this weekend break the Premier League record for consecutive appearances against Fulham at Villa Park.

However, the veteran American says his achievement pales into comparison to the teams success.

"It will be a decent achievement, but I haven't thought about it much on a personal level because we compete in a team sport," he told the club's official website.

"I think we have a duty as players to stay as fit as possible and to keep our form as high as we can.

"I have been fortunate with injuries - touch wood - and when I have got the odd knock, it has always seemed to coincide with international breaks.

"Since I retired from international football, I have been able to rest up between domestic games, too.

Friedel will play his 167th game in a row, breaking David James' record but he wasn't aware that the milestone was approaching.

He added: "I have never appeared in a game hoping to attain an appearance record.

"It hadn't really entered my mind until the statisticians said I have a chance to break the record.

"I always accept individual awards humbly and it would be pleasing to get one, but we are in a team sport.

"I would be more pleased to get into the Champions League or win a cup competition than pick up an individual honour. I think - well, I would hope - that every footballer feels the same way."