Aston Villa releases Guzan, Heskey, Cuellar

BIRMINGHAM, England (AP) United States goalkeeper Brad Guzan and two other Aston Villa players have been released by the English Premier League club.

Guzan, who joined Villa four years ago, made just nine appearances last season, mainly covering for the injured Shay Given.

The contracts of striker Emile Heskey and defender Carlos Cuellar have also expired, and they are being released by Villa, which just avoided relegation this month and was searching for a new manager after Alex McLeish was fired.

Heskey, the former England striker, has been at the central England club since being signed from Wigan in January 2009.

Cuellar has been a versatile performer for Villa, operating at right back, left back and center back in five years there.