Brad Guzan found his Carling Cup final axe by Villa boss Martin O'Neill devastating and heartbreaking.
Goalkeeper considering loan switch after final snub
Brad Guzan has admitted that he found his Carling Cup final axe by Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill devastating and heartbreaking.
The American shot-stopper helped Villa book their Wembley date against Manchester United as he was preferred throughout the run to regular No.1 Brad Friedel.
Guzan produced a string of impressive performances, including his penalty shoot-out heroics against Sunderland in the fourth round.
But when O'Neill came to select his side ahead of the final meeting with the Red Devils, it was Friedel who was given the nod, although he could not prevent the holders retaining their trophy with a 2-1 success.
It was a decision which clearly still rankles with 25-year-old Guzan, who has now admitted he could be prepared to consider a loan move away from the Midlands club as he seeks regular action.
"To make it to the final, and to then get benched and to lose the game was absolutely heartbreaking," the USA international admitted.
Rough day
"After you help your team get to a final, especially a competition like the League Cup, it was devastating not to play. You always want to be part of the big games and help your team be successful, so to not be involved and then lose was a rough day for everyone.
"There was not much I could do, as the manager makes the final decision.
"I just had to get on with it, and help the team in any other way, and then to lose the game was even more of a blow.
"I have not necessarily thought about leaving Villa, but I have thought about playing more regularly. I know that I need to start playing.
"If, at the end of the season, when I sit down with the manager, the plans make sense for me to go out on loan then that is a possibility I will be open to."
