Steve Sidwell and Martin Laursen have welcomed the arrival of new Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Friedel.

Sidwell told avfc.co.uk: "We're all pleased with the addition of Brad Friedel to the squad. We're slowly getting there and the manager's working hard with his staff to try and get players in.

"We're getting there as a team and hopefully by the time the seasons starts we'll be fit and raring to go.

"Brad Friedel has been a quality Premier League player for years and his arrival can only strengthen the squad. He's consistently been one of the very best keepers in the league and he's a quality addition to the squad."

Laursen is also delighted with the Friedel deal and added: "We only have one senior goalkeeper at the moment so this is good news. Brad Friedel has done so well for many years and I think this is a very good signing.

"He has played in the Premier League for a long time so he should settle very quickly. He's a very good goalkeeper and I think he'll be very good for us."