Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has praised goalkeeper Brad Guzan and claims that he is playing a vital role for the club.

Guzan has not kept a clean sheet in 26 Premier Leagues for the Villans, but his manager has no regrets at playing him ahead of the vastly experienced Shay Given.

"He's been brilliant, but leaving out Shay is one of the biggest decisions I've had to make as he's a brilliant goalkeeper and a really good guy," he is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News.

"Leaving out Shay is one of the biggest decisions I've had to make as he's a brilliant goalkeeper and a really good guy."

"But I thought I'd give Brad a go and he has never looked back. If anything he has got even better with more confidence. Everything about him has changed."

Villa visit Norwich in the Premier League on September 21.