Guzan vows to oust Friedel

Guzan: Still learning

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Brad Guzan is determined to establish himself as Aston Villa's No.1 in the not too distant future.

Standing between the American and that ambition at present is his countryman and mentor Brad Friedel.

Guzan admits that Martin O'Neill's preferred option between the sticks played a major role in his decision to pursue a career in football.

At 24-years-old, Guzan cut his teeth in the MLS with Chivas USA before completing a protracted switch to England last summer.

Having realised his dream of securing a move to the Premier League, and having got a taste for first-team action in the Carling Cup and Uefa Cup this season, Guzan has now set his sights on becoming an integral part of the Villa side.

"Seeing Brad Friedel and Kasey Keller come over here to England, be successful, and have such a long career inspired me to try and do the same," he told the Birmingham Mail.

Opportunities

"They were among 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 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 was 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."