Aston Villa are preparing for life with Brad Guzan as their number one goalkeeper.

Speculation has been rife in recent times that Villa were seeking a new gloveman to challenge Guzan for the starting role but manager Tim Sherwood insists that the American will be handed the number one jersey ahead of youngster Jed Steer and free summer transfer Mark Bunn.

"Brad was always going to be the No.1," said Sherwood who sold Shay Given to Stoke City.

"It's a long season.

"We're happy for Jed to be No.2.

"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."