Everton's Howard hopes to be 'Given' Guzan's USMNT spot

After the World Cup, United States international and Everton keeper Tim Howard decided to take some time off from playing for Jurgen Klinsmann's USMNT side. That naturally meant that number-two (and Aston Villa keeper) Brad Guzan would become the new first-choice for the US. Since then, Guzan has performed spectacularly for his country, especially in this summer's Gold Cup. There has been plenty of talk that maybe the US would be better in sticking with Guzan as the starter even after Howard made himself eligible again.

The only bump in Guzan's year has been his demotion from #1 to #2 at Aston Villa, falling behind Shay Given. But that's over, and Tim Sherwood has renamed him the club's first choice. Tim Howard, however, is ready to come back to the USMNT and he hopes to pull a Given and usurp Guzan in Klinsmann's side.

Howard said:

"I will make myself available for selection. We will see where we go from there. I have missed it. It was a tough decision to make. It has been a good break, but all it has done is really fuelled my fire. I have missed the boys, the competition and playing in front of the US fans."

Let's hope the impending return of Howard in the states doesn't do anything to shift Guzan's focus at Aston Villa. Presumably, if he can keep playing as well as he has recently, the position will be Guzan's to lose. But one never know when Jurgen Klinsmann is pulling the strings.