Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan says he's received nothing but support from keeper rival Shay Given.

Given, 36, was axed by manager Paul Lambert after just two games of the campaign and, with the exception of a couple of matches in the Capital One Cup, Guzan has been ever present since.

"He's been brilliant and a true professional. For me to be able to work with someone like Shay on a day-in day-out basis is only going to help me," said Guzan.

"So I am going to continue to try to pick his brain and see what he says about certain situations. That is what we do. We push each other in training and hopefully I make him a better goalkeeper; I know he makes me a better one.

"It's the same with Andy Marshall and the young goalkeepers at the club as well. We have a big goalkeeping family here if you like and we try to push each other.

"Hopefully you can play your part in helping the team and I have to say Shay has been fantastic on and off the pitch. He's a big character and has been fantastic towards me."