Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan admits the Premier League can be a warzone for keepers.

Guzan watched as Manchester United No1 David De Gea was clattered by Andy Carroll at West Ham last Wednesday - and knows how it feels.

He said: "You have to be brave, strong, commanding and make your presence felt.

"There will be times when you come and clean out the striker and you get the blow in.

"And there will be times when he gets his in and you're lying flat on your back and seeing stars!

"We all saw what went on in the West Ham v Man United game - TV highlighted it at half-time.

"The shirt-pulling, the setting of blocks on the goalie, the sly kicks, pushing, shoving, stepping on toes - it all goes on during set-plays and corners.

"It's about seeing what you can get away with and pushing the line. If you can get away with it then great, if you don't - and get caught - then you are going to get caned.

"As a goalie you do get some sneaky jabs around the mid- section - and BELOW the belt! It's not nice but you just have to get on with it.

"You hope the ref sees it and gives a foul."