By Paul Brown in Philadelphia

Paul Lambert spoke of his delight at recapturing Brad Guzan, insisting: "We've re-signed a top lad and a top pro."

Guzan was on the verge of quitting Villa for good when he departed at the end of the previous campaign.

But following a chat with new boss Lambert, Guzan elected to pen a three-year claret and blue deal.

Guzan said the manager's rhetoric in that meeting swayed him to rejoin Villa as the boss impressed him with his vision for the club.

Lambert was equally impressed with Guzan following the discussion, although he did insist that the USA ace's performances last term also played a part in his decision-making when offering him the new contract.

Speaking from Villa's Philadelphia base, Lambert said: "I think it was important for ourselves, because I was new to the football club, I didn't really know the situation why he was going to leave in the first place.

"I think it was important to try and find out what the situation was.

"I managed to talk to him and he's been great to be fair to him, he's been very good, he seems very enthusiastic which I think is important and the games he did play I think he did really fine.

"For him to just go as easy as he was going to was a bit precarious.

"I had a chat with him and he was really good, really great and he seems a top lad, top pro.

"He will get a chance like everyone else."

Full guide to Villa's USA tour 2012 - click here.

Don't miss out on Paul Lambert's Villa Park debut against Everton - click here.