PLAYER PROFILE

Brad Friedel

Position: Goal

Height: 6'3

Weight: 14st 3lbs

Date of Birth: 1971-05-18 Lakewood, Ohio, USA

Brad Friedel

For a long time, Brad Friedel became known in English football circles as the talented US goalkeeper that no-one had actually seen play thanks to his work permit problems. But Graeme Souness rescued Friedel from an unproductive spell with Liverpool to offer him first team football - as well as a work permit.

The big American keeper has repaid Souness' faith by establishing himself as the club's number one goalkeeper and has shown the kind of form that attracted the likes of Liverpool and Galtasaray in the first place. Friedel has over 80 international caps to his name and has represented his country at the Olympics and the World Cup.

In Blackburn's return to the Barclaycard Premiership in 2001, Friedel was virtually ever-present, only missing the last two games because of international duty. His performances undoubtedly helped Rovers not only avoid relegation, but also win the Worthington Cup, with an outstanding performance from him in the Final at the Millennium Stadium.

He was rewarded with a new four-year contract before leaving to represent the United States in World Cup 2002, where he had a superb tournament helping his country reach the quarter-finals.

His great form continued throughout the 2002/03 Premiership season for Rovers, making 47 appearances, and he was rewarded with a place in the PFA Premiership XI and the club's Player of the Year award. His outstanding displays made him a man in demand, but he stayed faithful to his club.

He was outstanding again during the following season, for both club and country, although suffered a thigh injury during the summer of 2004 threatened his place in the first team. However, he recovered in time to take his place in the team for the start of the 2004/05 campaign. Under new boss Mark Hughes, he continued to shine as he made 45 appearances keeping 17 clean sheets.

He once more proved to be an utterly indespensible member of Hughes' team during the 2005/06 and 2006/07 seasons as he further cemented his place as one of the world's top goalkeepers.