The Villa manager has also spoken of the need to strengthen the squad defensively, following the departure of goalkeeping duo Scott Carson and Thomas Sorensen.

He told the club's official website: "We didn't renew Thomas Sorensen's contract, Scott Carson returned to Liverpool and I felt we needed a goalkeeper of great experience.

"We got that in Brad Friedel but not only is he experienced, he is also a top class player.

"We have also taken on young Brad Guzan, who I think will develop into a quality keeper.

superb attitude

"We played all of last season with no recognised right-back so it was obviously an area we had to look at.

"On the left, we had no cover for Freddy [Bouma] and then Freddy picked up a serious injury against Odense so that forced us to bolster there.

"For all of Martin Laursen's fantastic performances and his superb attitude, he might not play every game so we needed players to fill in there too.

"Saying that, let me make it clear, it's not just about players filling in. It's about players coming in, taking their opportunity and staying in the side. It's about building a squad. I feel I now have a talented group of players."

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