Given Believes Guzan Can Replace Howard

Shay Given has said that Brad Guzan can replace Tim Howard as America’s no. 1 goalkeeper in case the latter decides to call it a day as an international footballer.

Howard was fantastic for USA in the World Cup in Brazil. He had made numerous great saves, but, being 35 years of age, he can’t be expected to keep playing for long now, surely not until the next World Cup which is going to take place in Russia.

Given, who himself had been rock solid between the sticks for a number of years for the Republic of Ireland, reckons that the time has come for Guzan to be given a permanent place in the USA national squad.

Since making his debut for USA in 2009, Guzan has played only 25 international matches so far.

Talking about Guzan the other day, Shay Given said, “Brad just needs to keep doing his job which is to make saves for Aston Villa. He has been doing that expertly for the last couple of years and I have got no doubt that with Tim Howard near the end of his international career, Brad would be considered by the USA management quite regularly now. Even if Tim doesn’t retire, Brad should be given opportunities.”

“Brad’s concentration level is quite good and at Aston Villa of late, he has shown that he has got all the qualities needed for somebody to become a successful international goalie.”

Guzan has been at Villa since 2008. He had joined the club after leaving Chivas USA.

For the first few years of his tenure at Villa, Guzan was the understudy of his compatriot Brad Friedel. But, since 2012, he started getting regular playing time. In the last two years, he has made more than 70 league appearances for the club.