Brad Guzan states Simon Dawkins' case at Aston Villa

Brad Guzan today backed Simon Dawkins to make an impact at Aston Villa after he received favourable reports from pals in Major League Soccer about the attacking midfielder.

Dawkins joined Villa on loan from Tottenham until the end of the season having impressed during a temporary spell with MLS outfit San Jose Earthquakes, where he scored 14 goals in 53 appearances.

American international Guzan revealed Dawkins has quickly adjusted to life at Bodymoor Heath and tipped him to play a part in Villa's bid to avoid relegation.

"I spoke to some of my mates who played with Simon in MLS and they said he's a great guy and is really good on the ball," said Guzan. "Hopefully he can contribute to the team and help us fight this battle."

Guzan also claimed that if Dawkins, 25, can cope with the physical demands of MLS he can cope with the robust nature of the Premier League despite a history of injury problems.

"MLS is a physical league," he said. "The main difference with Europe is the technical ability of players.