Goalkeeper Guzan wants gold then countryman Friedel's place

NEW Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan insists he hasn't come to Villa Park to warm the bench after helping the USA to victory in their opening Olympic Games fixture.

The 23-year-old, who joined the club from American side Chivas USA for a reported £2million, looked in good touch producing a string of fine saves as the USA recorded a 1-0 win over Japan on Thursday.

But even a gold medal in Tianjin won't be enough to guarantee the No.1 jersey with the high-profile arrival of Brad Friedel from Blackburn boosting Martin O'Neil's options between the sticks.

And while Guzan accepts his 37-year-old countryman - who has over 300 Premier League appearances to his name - will start the campaign as first choice, he is adamant a first-team berth won't be too far away.

He said: "I will arrive at the club after the Olympics and hopefully after playing for the gold medal and winning it.

"I am extremely excited. I am looking forward to the challenge and to be a part of Aston Villa football club.

"I am looking to go there and help the boys in whatever way I can, whether that is playing or training and looking to get better myself and hopefully get some playing time.

"All great teams have at least two of three great goalkeepers on the team and it makes it competitive and that is a gives is a good environment to have.

"To be able to learn from Brad's experience, his leadership and guidance is something I am really looking forward to - it can only make me a better player."

Should Guzan arrive in Birmingham with a medal to declare he will already have the bragging rights over Friedel, with the veteran stopper a member of the squad that finished fourth in Sydney eight year's ago.

And while Guzan is enjoying life as part of the world's biggest sporting spectacle he admits the prospect of linking up with O'Neil and the Villa squad is an equally exciting prospect.

"They expressed and interest in me and going over there and looking at the club I was impressed," he added.

"It is a young team, it is up and coming and has fantastic players. Most importantly it has got a manager that sees the potential in the young players and that is crucial.

"With his guidance I think we can go a long way. Everyone I have spoken to about him has only had good things to say about him."

MATTHEW DAVIS in Beijing