Veteran goalkeeper Andy Marshall is poised to sign a new contract with Villa – despite the fact he has never played a first-team game.

The 35-year-old joined the claret and blues in August 2009 as back-up for Brad Friedel who has been a vitrual ever-present, so Marshall is still waiting to pull on a Villa shirt in a competitive match.

He said: “I’m just about to sign a new contract. It’s very pleasing because I really enjoy being at this football club. It’s a good football club to be at.

“I think it is run correctly, I think it’s got the added benefit of having years of Premier League financial backing which then gives you brilliant facilities which is fantastic.

“The overall set-up, the whole club it top Premier League standard. I want to be part of a Premier League team. I enjoy being a part of this set-up.

“I’ve been fortunate because I’ve had many years of playing in football and, towards my latter years, I want to be part of a Premier League team going forward.”

Marshall has slipped down to third choice in the Villa pecking order behind Brad Guzan, who is currently on loan at Hull.

But the former England under-21 goalkeeper, who counts Norwich, Ipswich, Millwall and Coventry among his previous clubs, insisted he is happy with life even though he knows he is unlikely to dislodge Friedel.

He said: “It’s not being defeatist, it’s being realistic. If I wanted to go and guarantee a place in a football team, I would go and drop down to the Championship or League One.

“It’s not being negative but you’ve also got to be realistic.  It’s pointless me turning up every week thinking ‘I should be playing’ when you’re banging your head against Brad Friedel who has been phenomenal throughout his whole career. You’ve got to be realistic.

“If it had been 10 years ago, I would probably be looking to leave but your career changes. I want to be a part of something that is successful as a top Premier League side.

“I’ve never played at a club of this stature before and I’m enjoying being involved.”

Villa have also allowed promising goalkeeper Elliot Parish to join League Two side Lincoln City on loan until the end of the season.

The 20-year-old is yet to make a first-team appearance for the club, but has been a regular for the reserves this season.