Source: Team_Talk
Guzan given a vote of confidence
Guzan was a hero when he saved four penalties, including three in the shoot-out, during the Carling Cup win at Sunderland.[LNB]But he made a costly error in the FA Cup clash with Blackburn and was also uncertain during the Carling Cup semi-final second-leg clash with Sam Allardyce's side.[LNB]O'Neill would not reveal whether he would continue his policy of playing Guzan in cup ties ahead of Brad Friedel in this weekend's tie with Brighton.[LNB]But his faith in the former Chivas USA player, currently number two to Tim Howard in the United States squad, remainds undiminished.[LNB]O'Neill said: "Do I still have faith in Guzan? I wouldn't want to be commenting in terms of the performance of players. I would kind of leave that to the side.[LNB]"But I do know that Brad Guzan, in my view, will be a real quality goalkeeper.[LNB]"It is always difficult for a player coming in and needing to perform when you haven't had a host of games behind you. That is difficult.[LNB]"But his performance in the Sunderland game was fantastic. It was a big reason why we got to the quarter-finals - and now we are in the final[LNB]"But there is no point in you asking if he will play on Saturday."[LNB]O'Neill has revealed he will make several changes for the cup clash with Emile Heskey (foot), Richard Dunne (hamstring) and skipper Stiliyan Petrov (achilles) all doubtful.[LNB]He said: "I will change the side around. Playing three games in six games has taken its toll and I've got another group of players I am going to rely on to get us through this tie.[LNB]"We've got one or two younger players around that did well in the Peace Cup in the summer (in Spain) and who are desperate for a chance and some who are currently unlucky not to be in the team.[LNB]"But I will make them fully aware of Brighton. I saw them last week against Walsall and they played well in really heavy conditions. If they perform like that, they will cause us problems.[LNB]"We've got the home tie but Brighton are bringing around 6,000 fans and it will be a tough afternoon for us.[LNB]"But with that result and performance against Blackburn, and everything that game entails, whoever takes the field on Saturday should be ready - whether they have played the last couple of weeks or not."[LNB]O'Neill has dimissed reports that he wants to sign Rangers striker Kris Boyd.[LNB]He said: "I was quite surprised to see the story that he is signing for us.[LNB]"Of course, I know the player very well indeed. He was in Scotland when I was in charge of Celtic - but there isn't any truth in it."[LNB]O'Neill is expecting Villa midfielder Craig Gardner to move to Birmingham in the next few days.[LNB]He said: "I think it will get done. In terms of communication, I haven't heard a great deal from Birmingham but they are not a million miles away from agreeing things."[LNB][LNB] Aston Villa v Brighton 1st Goalscorer: Albrighton, M. 16/1
