Tottenham Hotspur manager Andre Villas-Boas has insisted that Brad Friedel remains a key part of his plans this season despite leaving him out of the team to play Aston Villa.

Friedel was dropped in favour of French international Hugo Lloris for the 2-0 win over Villa, ending a run of 310 consecutive top-flight starts for the veteran keeper.

Villas-Boas told reporters at the post-match press conference that Lloris is not his first-choice keeper despite starting the Spurs' last two matches.

The Portuguese coach said: "We spoke among the staff this week about it and we thought it was logical to let Hugo come into a Premier League game because he can't just play in the Europa League.

"Brad obviously was disappointed with the decision but accepted it like the good professional he is.

"Obviously the change was not based on performance because Brad has been immense for this football team.

"We respect that and we will surely look at that for the game against Chelsea."

Lloris helped Spurs achieve their fourth successive Premier League victory against Villa, lifting them to fifth in the table.