Villas-Boas to stick with Friedel

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has confirmed Brad Friedel will start the English Premier League match against Reading on Sunday.

The Spurs manager revealed Friedel will retain his role as first-choice goalkeeper, despite the arrival of France international captain Hugo Lloris from Lyon.

The Portuguese manager has claimed the 41-year-old American will keep his place between the sticks because of his impressive displays against Norwich and West Bromwich Albion.

Villas-Boas told reporters: “We feel that Brad is looking consistent, and deserves (to start) bearing in mind his performances against Norwich and against West Brom.”

Friedel holds the record for the most consecutive English Premier League starts, a record which will be extended by at least one more game against promoted Reading.

His record of 307 consecutive starts – a run stretching back to 2004 with Blackburn, Aston Villa and now Spurs – had looked in danger following the arrival of Lloris on transfer deadline day, for a reported fee of 12.5 million pounds.

Friedel has already warned the 25-year-old Frenchman he faces a battle to replace him as the number one goalkeeper at White Hart Lane.