ENGLAND/ OFFICIAL, Guzan signs new three-year-deal with Villa

Brad Guzan has agreed a new three-year deal which will extend his Villa career to the end of the 2014-15 season.

The 27-year-old goalkeeper will join up with his team-mates today in Philadelphia ahead of the club's three-game tour of the US.

Manager Paul Lambert recently revealed his admiration for Guzan and he expects the American to push Shay Given all the way for the No.1 jersey.

"I've watched Brad and some of his games when he was in the team last year and he was excellent," said the Villa boss.

"I know he's always had that 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, so when Shay comes back from the Euros it will be a big bonus and we'll see what happens."

Guzan joined Villa in 2008 from Major League Soccer outfit Chivas USA.

He featured in most of the club's European and domestic cup games in his first two seasons before making his Premier League debut as a substitute against Liverpool at Anfield in February 2009.

The USA international was Villa's penalty hero in a Carling Cup last 16 victory over Sunderland in October 2009 with four spotkick saves - one in normal time and three in a shootout.

Guzan played in eight consecutive games last term following an injury to Given.