Returning Schmeichel keeps the faith

Manchester Utd  v  Aston Villa...Old Trafford, 1.0, Sky Sports 1 Peter Schmeichel will make his first competitive appearance at Old Trafford today since leaving Manchester United almost three years ago, but he has made up his mind that it will not be his last.

Despite turning 39 in the autumn, the onset of spring has resulted in the Aston Villa goalkeeper sweeping away the mid-winter doubts he harboured over extending his playing career for another season.

Back in January, just before Villa played United in a third-round FA Cup tie, Schmeichel mused whether another English winter would take its toll on his limbs and his desire to continue playing.

But on the eve of another encounter against the club with which he enjoyed eight years of success, he said: "I'm going to play on. I'm enjoying it every day and that's the key thing. When you've done it for so many years, the morning when you wake up and don't fancy training is probably the time when you have to chuck it in. But that day hasn't come to me yet."

Whether the Dane will spend another year with Aston Villa remains to be seen. His contract allows for a year's extension but neither party has addressed the issue.

From Villa's standpoint, any planning for next season has not been helped by the departure of manager John Gregory, who signed Schmeichel following the two years he spent in Portugal after leaving United.

"The club has been in confusion so talking about my contract is not the highest priority," Schmeichel said. "Nor is it mine. I'm very happy here and I've made up my mind I'm going to keep playing, but that's about it."

And just as Schmeichel feels good for at least another season, he believes Alex Ferguson's decision to remain Manchester United manager will enhance his former club's chances of remaining a major force.

"Very few people can do that job and even less are brave enough to take over from him. His decision to continue will be of great benefit to the players. For a start, there will be continuity. They will know the routine and what's happening every day. That's very important, especially with the amount of games they have to play."

Schmeichel, who admits to supporting United and watching them whenever possible, will be determined to put them under pressure today. Not least because Villa need a victory to boost their chances of the only reward left open to them this season - qualification for Europe .

"I know it's a tall order but I think we can do that. We've played them twice already this season and there has been very little between the teams."

If Ferguson is right, a huge welcome awaits the Dane. "I think Peter Schmeichel will get a marvellous reception because he's one of the greatest players this club has ever had. He's got experience, he's got the desire to do it still. You get people who are special and I think Peter is a special man," he said.

But Schmeichel is convinced he has the sang-froid to cope with the emotion of the occasion. "It's always a big day out for any player to go to Old Trafford and I'll certainly enjoy it.

"It will be nice to see 67,000 fans but I've got a job to do and cannot be emotionally involved. I'd be letting my team-mates down if I was. The reunions come after the game."

Guardian Service