Brad Guzan has paid tribute to Villa number one Brad Friedel, hailing his outstanding season between the sticks.

Guzan insists Friedel's form and remarkable consecutive league appearance record of 228 games are due to the veteran stopper's hard work and professionalism.

And Guzan expects Friedel to remain on top of his game in the coming season.

He said: "The record he's been able to put together is simply phenomenal.

"It's a credit to his professionalism and his hard work. He looks after himself and, touch wood, he's never had any major injuries.

"His form has been fantastic. That's a down to him and hopefully for Villa he continues that.

"There's no reason why he can't. Age is just a number. For him, he's had a great two years and I'm sure he'll carry it on.

"For me, you try and get better every day and working with someone like Brad is good, not only to see how he does things but also what it takes to be successful and consistent at this top level. It's good."

With the World Cup around the corner, Guzan revealed he was first inspired to be a goalkeeper because of Friedel performing so admirably in the tournaments in France 1998 and Japan/Korea 2002, in which he was dubbed 'The Human Wall'.

He added: "For a young American goalkeeper, seeing what he did at the World Cup, it is just tremendous to be able to work with him day in, day out.

"He's been 100 per cent a great pro and a great team-mate to be able to work with.

"He has been tremendous on and off the field and to be able to work with him has been great."