Villa goalkeeper Brad Friedel believes ex-team-mate Roque Santa Cruz is Blackburn’s answer to John Carew.

Friedel goes into tonight’s clash with his former club charged with the task of keeping out the Paraguyan striker and his Rovers colleagues. The American stopper was at Ewood Park last season to witness Santa Cruz’s stunning first season in English football – in which he netted 23 times – so knows the threat the ex-Bayern Munich man poses.

And Friedel, who arrived in a £2.5m move from Rovers this summer, sees many of the same qualities in Villa’s Carew, who can also count some of Europe’s biggest clubs like Valencia, Roma and Lyon on his CV.

“Roque is very skilful but also very tall, quick and powerful,” said Friedel. “He has got the total package. He and Carew are very similar. It’s very difficult to beat Roque in the air, as is the case with John.”

Villa were heavily linked with the 27-year-old in the summer before he signed a new deal at Ewood Park and boss Martin O’Neill admits Blackburn got themselves a bargain for £3.5m just over a year ago.

“Great credit to Blackburn Rovers for taking the chance – because fitness was the only concern with him, not his ability,” said O’Neill.

“If you ask any manager in European football they would say the same.”

And, according to O’Neill, it is easy to see why John Gregory targeted another Rovers forward, Benni McCarthy, eight years ago.

“I think McCarthy’s form since would prove John would have been right to have chased him,” added O’Neill.

Friedel hopes for a favourable reception from the visiting support but he insists even if it isn’t forthcoming it won’t tarnish his memories.

“I went to Blackburn on a free, gave them eight years of service and they a very good transfer fee was paid for me at the age of 37,” added Friedel. “I would think I would get a good reception.”

Gareth Barry (bruised foot) faces a late fitness test so Steve Sidwell is on standby, while Carew is likely to be recalled.

Nigel Reo-Coker or James Milner could have to step aside and Curtis Davies may have to settle for a place on the bench.