Brad Guzan is excited at the prospect of being the USA's number one goalkeeper in the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

The 30-year old, who plies his trade for Aston Villa in the English Premier League, has long played second fiddle to US legend Tim Howard.

Guzan said he was looking forward to assuming the number one role at the tournament, and said he hoped to cement his position as his country's first choice goalkeeper.

"This being my first real Gold Cup if you want to call it that, it's an opportunity to hopefully establish myself as the number one goalkeeper, hopefully play well and help the team do well," Guzan told ussoccer.com.

"On an individual level, it's an important tournament for me because I haven't played as many games for the National Team as I would have liked."

"It's different when you get to step out on the field, you're playing in the big games and you're the guy that's going to be called on to make a big save, help the team win and do well.

"That's a responsibility you cherish – you want that responsibility".

The USA kicked off their Gold Cup campaign with a 2-1 victory against Honduras in Texas on Tuesday.