Aston Villa’s Brad Guzan wins rare praise from Roy Keane

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Roy Keane doesn’t often offer glowing praise, but Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan is clearly a special case.

Ahead of the friendly clash between the Republic of Ireland and USA on Tuesday night in Dublin, Roy Keane has moved to single out opposition goalkeeper and Aston Villa star Brad Guzan for special praise.

The Ireland and Villa assistant manager has got to know Guzan well over the past few months, after becoming Paul Lambert’s number two in the summer, and has since witnessed the American produce a string of impressive outings, including in the recent 0-0 draw at West Ham United.

While that performance helped end the club’s run of six successive defeats, as well as earn him a place in the Premier League’s team of the week, Keane has also hailed the in-form keeper’s professionalism and character, describing him as one of the few personalities left in the game.

“It’s all about characters in the game and thank God, Brad’s one of them,” he was quoted on MLSsoccer.com.

“There are not many about. Brad is a man, a good man, a very good goalkeeper and I am grateful to be working with him. He’s a really good guy.”

Keane’s impact at Villa has not been lost on Guzan himself either, with the former MLS star telling reporters at the US press conference: “Obviously he’s a passionate guy who wants to win so for the past couple of months now, working with him at Villa, he brings that intensity, brings that passion to training and into matches and that’s what you want within a training ground.”

Guzan might not start at the Aviva Stadium, with head coach Jurgen Klinsmann opting to rotate his shot-stoppers since Tom Howard’s decision to take a sabbatical from the international game.

The 30-year-old Chicago-native is still considered to be the de facto number one by most, but he insists he is taking nothing for granted with the likes of Nick Rimando, Bill Hamid and Sean Johnson also competing for the job.

“I’ve always said I’m very fortunate to be in the position I’m at, coming from America, starting in MLS and now being able to play in the Premier League, week in and week out,” he said.

“I’m very lucky and you don’t take any of that for granted. Today is another example of that – being able to represent your country is an honour. You’re always looking to get better and improve, and to help your team.”