Aston Villa boss O’Neill backs Guzan to be top-class

Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill has backed goalkeeper Brad Guzan to have a long and successful career at the club.

The 25-year old is currently second choice to his compatriot Brad Friedel but his boss has confidence that eventually he will take the mantle as number one shot-stopper at Villa Park.

“His attitude is fantastic. He cheers on the team even when he’s not in the side,” O’Neill told the club’s official website.

“And when he has stepped in for us, he has been terrific.

“He is great in the dressing room too and very popular with the players. He really is a genuinely top lad and also has that ability to be a real top-class goalkeeper.”

O’Neill also praised Guzan for his performance in the club’s last Carling Cup game which saw him save important penalties to send them through to the quarter-finals, where they defeated Portsmouth 4-2 last night.

“He is a big reason as anyone for us being in this position in the competition after his Stadium of Light performance (against Sunderland).

“He has come in and done wonderfully well for us – every time he has played for us in fact.

“He put himself under this pressure to perform at an incredible level considering it’s often for just one game.

“I wouldn’t want to be having anybody else around other than Brad Guzan. I’m not looking elsewhere,” O’Neill added.

“He’s as good a man as anybody. In time, I see no reason why he shouldn’t be our goalkeeper for a long, long time, if everything works out.”