UNDERSTUDY Brad Guzan has been backed to provide a safe pair of hands for Aston Villa as the claret and blues ascertain the severity of Shay Given’s injury.

Guzan was a 37th-minute replacement for Given in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester United, keeping a clean sheet during his time on the field.

Given reported to Bodymoor Heath yesterday for an assessment by Villa’s medics of the apparent hamstring strain he sustained stretching to clear a ball.

And the club will have a better idea later today how long the No.1 will be out of action – with fears he could miss the remainder of Villa’s festive programme.

Guzan, who made only his second Premier League appearance after a cameo off the bench during a 5-0 loss at Liverpool in March 2009, is set to play at Bolton on Saturday.

Defender Richard Dunne admits Villa will miss Given – but has backed American stopper Guzan to be an able deputy in the meantime.

“Shay has a hamstring injury and hopefully it is not too long, but when Brad Guzan came on, he looked great,” said Dunne.

“He was calm and collected everything that came there, his kicking was great.

“He is a very good understudy to have.

“Given has been fantastic, one of the top keepers for a long time and his reactions and everything are great.

“And it is the communication he gives us as well. He is talking away throughout the game and he is going to be a big loss. But Brad did great and it will give him an opportunity.”