Image:Brad Guzan: Set to challenge Shay Given for the No.1 spot at Aston Villa
Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has suggested there could be an opening for Brad Guzan to become the club's first-choice goalkeeper.
Villa boss backs keeper to shake off No.2 stigma
Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has suggested there could be an opening for Brad Guzan to become the club's first-choice goalkeeper.
The American has been a standby at Villa Park for much of the last four years - first to compatriot Brad Friedel and then to Shay Given.
But the 27-year-old impressed when Given was unavailable in the last campaign and the club are keen for the player to sign a new contract.
Guzan recently rejected a new deal but Lambert insists he is a fan of the USA international and believes he has every chance of establishing himself as the No.1 in the coming season.
"I've watched Brad and some of his games when he was in the team last year and he was excellent," said Lambert.
"I know he's always had the stigma of being the No.2 behind some really good goalkeepers here.
"But when you come back at the start of the season nobody knows what's going to happen and it depends on whoever does well.
"Brad played very well the time he was in and maybe he found himself a bit unlucky to be back out.
"The club needs two or three good goalkeepers."
