Howard still behind Guzan on return to USMNT

Despite ending his year-long sabbatical from the USMNT Tim Howard will not be first choice - in the short term at least.

Coach Jurgen Klinsmann has confirmed Aston Villa's Brad Guzan will start in goal for the USA's Confederations Cup play-off against Mexico on October 10.

Howard has only just returned to the squad after choosing to take a year off from the national side in order to concentrate on his club career and family. His last appearance for the USMNT was that now famous game against Belgium in the 2014 World Cup when he made a record 16 saves.

Now he is back in the squad for upcoming friendlies against Peru and Brazil, though Guzan will be first-choice in those games too, meaning the 36-year-old will have to wait a while longer before he can earn a 105th international cap.

Speaking about his goalkeeping conundrum, Klinsmann said:

"Since we are so short away from that clash with Mexico, we are not there making changes right now.

Brad is the No. 1, Tim is the No. 2. Tim accepted that because he was gone for more than a year from the team."

"Once we get the Mexico, hopefully successfully, out of the way then we can think about how we can split maybe some time. Now it’s about getting consistency with the players, and getting the job done in October."