Villa's Brad Guzan tipped to challenge Tim Howard

Villa keeper Brad Guzan can mount a serious challenge to Everton counterpart Tim Howard to be the USA No.1 according to defender Eric Lichaj.

The pair were both named in coach Juergen Klinsmann's squad for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Antigua & Barbuda and Guatemala.

And Lichaj believes now that Guzan has become a regular starter for Villa his American compatriot can force his way into Klinsmann's thinking and add to the 20 caps the keeper has already won for his country.

"I think right now he's number two with the USA. Of course he can challenge, I think he's a really good goalkeeper and I always knew that," said Lichaj.

"So hopefully he can challenge for it and get the number one spot for USA as well. He's a hard worker and no matter what happens he's always going to be working hard. He's one of those guys.

"He's waited for his opportunity and I'm glad he's taking it. I knew he could do that and I'm very happy for him that he's starting now.

"With him getting another contract, he probably had a talk with Paul Lambert and it's given him an opportunity, so I'm glad he's taking it."

Lichaj also revealed that Guzan's voice after matches is often hoarse which demonstrates how much of a vocal presence he has been in the side.

"Usually at the end of the games, he's lost his voice and when it's not we have to tell him to be quiet! I'm just messing around, but he's a very vocal," said Lichaj.

"He's been like that ever since I started watching him. I'm a bit younger than him, but we were at the same club when I was about 14 and he was doing that even when he was just 18.

"If something's wrong he'll make sure that he lets you know and you'll hear him. It's not quite got to the stage where I'm hearing his voice in my sleep, he's not that bad, but he's good on the pitch and a good guy off the field as well."