Aston Villa FC

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• Manager:Gerard Houllier

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O'Neill pays tribute to Guzan

28 Oct 2009 - 13:01:00

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Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan was picked out for special praise by manager Martin O'Neill after his spot-kick heroics in Tuesday's Carling Cup success against Sunderland.

The American shot-stopper was given a rare start in place of Brad Friedel and responded by saving four penalties - one during normal time and three in the shoot-out - as Villa clinched a place in the quarter-finals.

O'Neill joked after the match: "I almost expected him to save them.

"We're all euphoric - none more so than Mr Guzan.

"It was just a fantastic performance from him and naturally I'm delighted to have got through.

"He's been doing it for some time really. I just think he's going to be a great goalkeeper. He's got everything and he's as brave as they come.

"Obviously at this minute, there's also Brad Friedel who's turned in some tremendous performances for us as he has done for quite some considerable time overall. He's close to 200 consecutive games in the Premier League, which in itself is terrific.

"But Guzan was immense. He was immense in pre-season and that performance will have escalated his confidence to a new height.

"It wasn't just in the shoot-out either. He did brilliantly to save the one in normal time too."