Guzan sets sights on starting berth

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Guzan will make a rare start for Villa in Thursday's home UEFA Cup clash with MSK Zilina. He also appeared in the single goal victory over Slavia Prague last month when Friedel was again rested by Villa boss Martin O'Neill.

He said: "I have learnt so much from Brad Friedel. I can't put into words how much. To be working with him day in and day out, to be able to pick his brain and watch him in training and games is huge."

He added: "I'm a young goalkeeper who's only been over here for a few months and being involved with him can only make me a better goalkeeper.

"You don't want an environment where he's bitter towards me and I am bitter towards him. As a keeper, only one can play and we have a good atmosphere between us.

"But one day I want to take his place. That is the plan. My job is to make it difficult for the manager when it comes to selecting his starting 11.

"If I am able to do that, and have done everything I can, then the rest is up to him. Any time you step onto the field you have to prove you belong there, deserve to stay there and for me it is no different.

"When you get a chance, you don't want to let go of it. You want to be on the pitch for the big games."

O'Neill has been pleased with the way Guzan has adapted to life in England following his summer transfer.

He said: "I'm really pleased with Brad. He's got a great attitude and wants to do the business. He doesn't want to sit back on his laurels. He wants to push Brad Friedel and if anything happened to him, I would have no qualms about playing Brad Guzan. I think he is more than capable."