Brad Guzan will continue to pressurise fellow American Brad Friedel in the battle for the first-team keeper spot at Aston Villa. Guzan was in line to make his league debut at Manchester United on Sunday before Friedel's red card against Liverpool was rescinded by the Football Association.

Guzan said: "Seeing Brad Friedel and Kasey Keller come over here to England, be successful, and have such long careers inspired me to try and do the same.

"They were the first Americans to play in this country which was brilliant because the rest of the world never looks at Americans as footballers. What they have achieved is phenomenal.

"Brad has had a fantastic career and working with him can only be beneficial to me. But now I'm looking to play more games, to seize opportunities when they come along, and to keep moving forward."

Guzan added: "To play in the UEFA Cup was tremendous. There is a special buzz about European nights and to be part of that is something you never forget.

"I want to get better as a 'keeper and put Brad under pressure. I want to make it difficult for the manager week in and week out in terms of selection.

"If I can do that I will also be helping the team because it will make Brad better, myself better, and the team better."