Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill was pleased with their 1-1 draw against Reading yesterday.

Curtis Davies played an hour as he continued his comeback from a serious Achilles injury, while new signing Brad Friedel saved Stephen Hunt's penalty on his Villa debut.

O'Neill told the club's website: I was very pleased with the run-out. I knew it would be a tough game and so it proved. Reading are just a week away from their own season starting, so they were up for it. So I thought it was a terrific workout.

"Brad Friedel made his debut and though he didn't need a penalty save to prove he's a class goalkeeper, his overall performance was really very commanding and so assured. I think that given an injury free run he will do well for us.

"It was very good for us to see some of the younger players in action and a chance for some of the older players who didn't get a game last weekend to play.

"The other big bonus was of course Curtis Davies coming through another hour. That's his second game in three days and he's done very well - surprising quite a few people with the speed of his return."