Lambert praises ´colossal´ Guzan

Paul Lambert has hailed Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan as ‘colossal’ after Saturday’s win at Reading.

The 28-year-old saved a powerful early header from Adam Le Fondre and, despite being beaten by Nathan Baker’s own goal, Villa overturned the disadvantage to emerge 2-1 victors after strikes from Christian Benteke and Gabriel Agbonlahor.

The manager hailed the USA international’s importance to the club as the win saw them move three points clear of the relegation zone.

“Brad has been exceptional. He has been colossal for this club. He has made some massive saves for us at big moments,” he said.

“He is a very good guy. He is bubbly always and a good character which is important for the team.”

Lambert surprised observers shortly after his arrival from Norwich opting for Guzan ahead of the experienced former Republic of Ireland international Shay Given who dropped to the bench.

He believes the side benefits from competition between the two.

“We’ve got two top-class keepers. There’s nothing in it. Shay has been terrific for us too. You have to give Shay credit for keeping Brad in the number one spot,” he said.

“It is big pressure. He has handled it well as Shay is a world-class keeper. But he is doing well partly because Shay is pushing him.”

Guzan, meanwhile, says he is happy to have become a regular at Villa Park and wants to improve his game further.

“It’s good to play consistent football week in, week out. But at the same time, in my eyes, I still need to prove myself. I can’t be complacent, I can’t get comfortable,” he said.