Guzan hails veteran Friedel

Last updated : 25 October 2010 By Team Talk

Friedel, who joined Villa from Blackburn in 2008, has made over 80 appearances for the club and is showing no signs of stopping.

The 39-year-old has already racked up the Premier League record for most consecutive appearances with 226.

And Guzan, who has established himself as the second-choice goalkeeper for the USA behind Everton's Tim Howard, admits he has to push Friedel every day in training.

He told Sky Sports News: "It's my job to push him day in and day out.

"To be fair, he's a fantastic professional and it shows that age is just a number.

"When he decides to call it quits in the end or push on, I think we'll be alright."

Guzan played an integral role in the club's Carling Cup run last season which culminated in a 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in the final.

The 26-year-old, who saved four penalties against Sunderland in the last 16 of the competition en route to the final, is hopeful that the club can return to Wembley.

Villa face Burnley in the fourth round of the competition on Wednesday night - a game in which Guzan is expected to play.

He added: "Any chance you get a chance to play, it's exciting, so hopefully we can get a good result.

"To get to play in a final is not only fantastic for the team, but also for the fans.

"It was good for everybody and hopefully we can get back to Wembley and come back with a different result."

Source: Team Talk

Source: Team Talk