Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has hailed the progress made by his number two goalkeeper Brad Guzan.

And O'Neill believes the American is already of a high enough standard to play in the Barclays Premier League. Guzan is currently number two at Villa Park to Brad Friedel who will make his 200th successive Barclays Premier League appearance against Everton on Saturday.

O'Neill said: "My own view is that Brad Guzan is good enough to play in quite a number of Premier League teams."

He added: "It is right that he has kept Brad Friedel on his toes and done very well since coming here and he wants to learn and get better.

"He also has something else to think about now that the United States have qualified for the World Cup finals.

"Guzan would be keen to put a bit of competition in for that goalkeeping spot as well which is currently occupied by Tim Howard."