Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan believes the playing squad will all the better for having staved off relegation last season.
The American gloveman, who became the clubs number one last term, feels that Villa will draw plenty of character from the relegation battle which will hold them in good stead for the future.
"We had a tough spell but that was what made us stronger and helped to bring out our character," Guzan told the Birmingham Mail.
"When you go through those tough times you are able to help each other, pick each other up and dust each other down. You keep fighting.
"If you make mistakes it's how you respond to the criticism that comes your way, you have to be man enough and move on. I think as a group and as a team we did a really good job of that and that will help us now in the future."
