Bradley Guzan

"No goal for you" is the catchphrase Villa fans affectionately labelled Brad Guzan with, after his penalty-saving heroics.

Supporters saw glimpses of the American goalkeeper's ability during his debut season in claret and blue, when he featured in all of the team's domestic cup and European matches.

But it was last season when Guzan really made a name for himself with two notable performances in high-pressure situations.

Firstly, in the pre-season Peace Cup tournament, the Chicago-born stopper saved penalties from Juventus stars Vincenzo Iaquinta and Alessandro Del Piero as Villa toppled the Italian giants in a shoot-out to lift the trophy.

However, that performance was surpassed in October 2009, when Guzan was the hero in another penalty triumph.

After saving a spot-kick in normal time, Guzan denied three Black Cats players in the shoot-out to send Martin O'Neill's team into the next round.

With fellow American Brad Friedel still turning in top-class displays, Guzan has had to be patient since arriving from Major League Soccer club, Chivas USA, in 2008.

His only Premier League action so far came after Friedel was harshly sent off in a 5-0 defeat at Anfield.

Guzan was forced to play a waiting game before swapping the Windy City for the West Midlands.

He looked set to join Villa in January 2008, only for the transfer to be put on hold when he was refused a work permit.

But manager O'Neill was determined to get his man and, nearly eight months later, Guzan finally put pen to paper after the permit was granted.

Guzan has been capped by the USA on numerous occasions and featured in the 2008 Olympic Games and 2010 World Cup squads.