O'Neill sees potential in Guzan

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill believes Brad Guzan is a "great goalkeeper in the making".

The USA international, 24, impressed as Villa moved a step closer to the Uefa Cup knockout stages with a 1-0 win at Slavia Prague on Thursday night.

"I think he's a great goalkeeper in the making," said O'Neill. "I'm delighted he got his work permit.

"I thought he was brilliant. We're delighted the things we saw in him when he was in America have come out."

Guzan, who was making only his second competitive appearance in a Villa shirt, is currently understudy to fellow American Brad Friedel.

O'Neill signed the American from Chivas USA at the second attempt, for a fee of around £2m in August, as his original move in January collapsed because he failed to obtain a work permit.

606: DEBATE
"Guzan won that game for us last night... For me he could be the new Gordon Banks"
Alex_Villa

And the Villa boss said he has always been confident that the 2007 MLS goalkeeper of the year would impress.

"I've never had any doubts about Brad from when he came over and didn't get his work permit the first time," said O'Neill. "He's got a fantastic temperament.

"I said to him 'not to worry, if you still want to come here we'll see this through and in six months' time we'll do it again'."

RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
Football on the BBC
Villa fans' views on 606
BBC Birmingham
Villa Park weather
BBC Sport Premier League
Aston Villa
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites