Brad Guzan has backed Aston Villa team-mate Eric Lichaj to shine on the domestic and international stage
Oct 22 2010 by gregg evans, Birmingham Mail
AMERICAN goalkeeper Brad Guzan has backed fellow countryman and Villa team-mate Eric Lichaj to shine after a rollercoaster few months for the young defender.
In August the 21-year-old signed a three-year contract at Villa Park after consistent performances for the reserve team.
The right-back made his competitive debut in the Europa League away clash against Rapid Vienna when Kevin MacDonald was in charge of the first team.
He has yet to feature for Gerard Houllier since the Frenchman took over at the club, but has been named on the substitutes bench on a number of occasions.
A whirlwind few months recently culminated with elevation to the USA squad.
He followed that up by receiving a call up for the first time for a double header against Poland and Colombia this month.
Although Lichaj failed to get any pitch time against Poland – the country his parents are from – his debut came in the second of those clashes against the South Americans.
Now 18-capped Guzan insists Lichaj has got a bright future after impressing in training.
He said: “Training with the first team here at Villa week-in and week-out has definitely improved him.
“The national team manager has obviously seen that.
