Dwight Yorke has hailed the hunger and desire for success retained by Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Friedel at the age of 38.
Former Villa striker Yorke has first-hand knowledge of the qualities of Friedel from their time as team-mates at Blackburn.
And the former Trinidad and Tobago international believes Friedel, who holds the record for most consecutive Barclays Premier League appearances, is still at the top of his game.
Yorke said: "I've got to know Brad very well over the years. Some players mature with age -and Brad is one of those. He has matured into one of the finest goalkeepers in the Premier League - and has been for a number of years. He keeps himself extremely fit and lives his life very professionally.
"Some players get old and go away by the wayside and it doesn't surprise me how well he has done over the years. It's all about the type of individual you are."
Yorke, who spent seven years as a player with Villa, said: "Brad is 39 this year (in May) and he could sit back and pick up his money. But it's not all about money. You want success and you want to be the best. You have to have a certain kind of character within you to achieve that and Brad has got that desire. He still wants to be the best and he wants to play in every game."
Source: PA
Source: PA