New Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Friedel is hopeful fellow American Brad Guzan will win his work permit hearing on Friday and join him at Villa Park.

Friedel is willing to offer his support to his compatriot and would relish the competition.

He said: "It's always good to have competition in every position. I know Brad's a young goalkeeper for the future. He's 23 years of age and hopefully he can get a work permit.

"I'm going to do my best to hopefully support that bid. I don't know what help I can give him on that front as it took me five years to get my own permit to play here in England.

"But hopefully, fingers crossed, he can get it and then it will be a pleasure to work with him."