Brad Guzan believes he needs to oust Brad Friedel as Aston's Villa's first choice keeper if he is to start for America at the World Cup. The promising goalkeeper is currently understudy to compatriot Friedel at Villa Park, while on international duty he plays second fiddle to Everton's Tim Howard.

"To be part of a World Cup is massive," said Guzan. "Do I need to get the Villa jersey off Brad Friedel to replace Tim Howard? I think that would help.

"Every player wants to go to a World Cup. It's in the back of my mind. It's one of those situations where you want to be playing week in and week out to be as sharp as possible.

"But games like at Sunderland maybe make the national team manager think 'when he does get games he is still sharp and contributing to the team'."

Guzan is relishing the battle to dislodge Howard, who will be in action for his club against Villa in Saturday's Premier League clash.

He said: "I work with Tim all the time with the national team. It is always exciting whenever us Americans play against each other but, as soon as that whistle blows, it will be down to business."

The 25 year old also admits he can only benefit from working alongside Friedel on a regular basis.

The former Chivas USA player said: "Brad has been doing the business for so many years and I don't have to look far for someone to model myself on.

"It's great to be able to work with him daily and I can only benefit."