Villas-Boas keen to keep hold of Blackburn target

Thursday, December 6, 2012
7:01 AM

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has made it clear that he wants to hang on to Brad Friedel for the rest of the season, having rebuffed an attempt by Blackburn to sign the goalkeeper as a player/coach after Hugo Lloris assumed the number one spot at Spurs.

The 41-year-old has had to sit out the last five games despite being first choice at the start of the season.

He is set to be given the nod for tonight’s final Europa League Group J game at home to Greek side Panathinaikos, with the north Londoners needing to avoid defeat to progress through to the knockout stages.

Villas-Boas hailed the American who made 287 apperances for Blackburn between 2000 and 2008.

“Brad has been excellent,” said the Portuguses, adding: “I spoke to him and he has been such an important player for us.

“Rotation has not been because of performances.

“Both goalkeepers’ performances have been excellent. It gives me the ability at any time to throw a different keeper into the game.

“I don’t know anything about [Blackburn’s bid]. We are trying to hold onto our best assets and Brad is certainly one of them.”