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Tim Sherwood has confirmed that Brad Guzan will start the season as Aston Villa’s No.1.

Last week the Birmingham Mail revealed that Villa were considering abandoning their search for a new goalkeeper and now boss Sherwood has detailed his thoughts.

The gaffer admitted that high-earning Shay Given, who ended the season as the main man, was allowed to move on to free up funds.

And while it’s thought that the hunt for a new recruit is not completely dead, it’s almost certain that Guzan will line up for the claret and blues in their Premier League opener next month.

Check out newboys Jordan Amavi and Idrissa Gueye in training

“Brad was always going to be the No.1.” said Sherwood.

“It’s a long season.”

Jed Steer, 22, is seen as the man to provide stern competition for Guzan, although new recruit Mark Bunn is likely to act as the understudy if Steer departs on loan.

“We’re happy for Jed to be No.2.” said Sherwood

“It’s only Germany who give young goalkeepers the chance to play.

“I think the best goalkeepers in the world are probably German. That shows you the reason because they got an opportunity.

“Jed knows if he’s playing well, he will get the chance to play.

“He will only move on loan to the right club if he’s going to play. We will make sure there’s a recall in it.

“He’s our No.2, him and Bunn will fight it out.”

Guzan was dropped last season following a howler at Manchester City.

Before that he had played over 100 consecutive league games for the club and was a vocal member of the dressing room.

His axing lead to serious doubts over his Villa future and a move away from the club was expected this summer.

It’s thought Villa would have accepted a bid of around £4million for the USA stopper providing they could source a replacement.

That now looks increasingly unlikely and appears to be not a major concern to the Villa Park management.

Given, the man who took Guzan’s place at the back end of last season, joined Stoke City earlier this month on a two-year deal.

His 50k-per-week contract at Villa had less than 12 months remaining and Sherwood reckons the security of a longer contract was too good for the Irishman to turn down.

“Shay had an opportunity to go elsewhere,” he said.

“And Guzan’s got age on his side over Shay who can’t go on forever.

“Shay had the opportunity to get a two-year deal and it gave us the opportunity to release a little bit of money for us to use in other areas.”