Goalkeeper Brad Guzan's work permit hearing has been scheduled for next Friday (August 1)

And Martin O'Neill's remains hopeful the US international will be given the green-light to complete a move from MLS outfit Chivas USA.

Villa agreed a deal with Chivas earlier this month for the 23-year-old keeper who was denied a work permit in January.

O'Neill told www.avfc.co.uk: "The hearing is now next week. It should really have been yesterday but it was postponed for one reason or another. So we've been given an opportunity next Friday to do it.

"We're hoping that having come so close in January we can get the work permit this time around.

"I think his situation has improved, certainly on the international scene. He's been playing a lot of games for America now, important matches. He's played World Cup qualifying games and he played the second-half against England at Wembley.

"All told I think his position has improved so fingers crossed that might help but who knows."