Martinez stands up for Tim Howard
Everton manager Roberto Martinez has come out in support of underfire goalkeeper Tim Howard and says that although his mistakes are highlighted, his good performances aren’t.
Martinez admits that his keeper hasn’t been at his best this season, but has backed the American stopper to come through the period.
“We need good options in goal and Tim Howard is a phenomenal, experienced head to have,” he explained. “I know he has been through a period where a couple of mistakes have been highlighted, the way his top performance against Newcastle wasn’t highlighted in the same manner.
“But he is a footballer we know inside out. He has been 10 seasons giving everything that he has for our football club and everyone knows you go through periods tougher than others – but he is a reliable character who we appreciate immensely.”
Back up keeper Joel Robles comes back into the team against Manchester City.
Martinez explained: “Joel has an opportunity to carry on showing the good work that he has done this season.
“At the moment we have two goalkeepers who have been sharing that role in a very important fashion and every player needs to be ready and understand what it means to play for our football club.
“I have been delighted with Joel’s performances.
“In any squad of football you need good competition for places and I think Joel has been really really good throughout the competition – especially in his last two games
“I thought his performances against Norwich at Goodison and at Middlesbrough were very good.
“He is another young player who has been developing but it is bit different with goalkeepers. You need to control their moments psychologically and be very strong and I think Joel has showed that.”
Should Howard be dropped?
Everton Fan? Comment below or have your say on our dedicated Everton Forum at www.theevertonforum.co.uk/forum