Aston Villa star Brad Guzan targets USA spot

Villa star Brad Guzan today vowed he will achieve his World Cup dream and prove he can become the USA's No.1.

moreThe goalkeeper will start in tonight's final World Cup qualifier against Panama with their place for next year's tournament already sealed.

Everton's Tim Howard has been released from the squad with boss Jürgen Klinsmann giving Guzan his blessing tonight. And the 29-year-old insisted he will not let his country down in his quest to take the No.1 spot off Howard.

"It's a huge chance to not only play but to prove to my team-mates and to the coaches that I can be counted on and step in and hopefully do a job for the team," said the 29-year-old.

"I try to look at myself as a No.1 and a guy that can be counted on. With goalkeepers, you never know. Something can happen in a warm-up or whatever. You come into training camp hoping to play, expecting to play to a certain extent. If your name isn't called, then obviously you're disappointed but you just have to keep fighting because that's what it's about."

The USA qualified last month after a 2-0 win over Mexico and top the North, Central America and Caribbean group. Panama are second from bottom.