ROBERTO MARTINEZ believes Tim Howard’s “experience and know-how” remains crucial to Everton as he prepares to pitch his under-fire goalkeeper back into the spotlight.
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| Tim Howard will start for Everton against Manchester City tomorrow |
Howard has sat out the last two cup games allowing Joel Robles to showcase his skills, but will return against Manchester City tomorrow.
Everton travel to The Etihad for their second collision with City in a week following on from last Wednesday’s Capital One Cup semi-final first leg success. The second leg is also at The Etihad on January 27.
American international Howard has attracted criticism this season and has sarcastically applauded Everton supporters in each of his last two games at Goodison Park after they cheered ironically when he caught the ball.
Yet despite that backdrop, Martinez insists he is not considering sticking with Robles.
“No, no, there is no such decision,” said Martinez. “We want to improve in every position all the time and develop good competition for places.
“Joel Robles has been terrific. It has been a huge role for him to play in the big games and he has done really well but, in the same manner, Tim brings a quite unique experience and know-how.
“Of course, you have good and bad moments like any player but we appreciate what Tim Howard brings on top of being between sticks.
“He will be first Everton player to have 350 appearances in Premier League which is an incredible return.
“It’s time we used that experience and know-how with the young players we have around him. We are going to carry on using that to develop our team.
“We feel we are very, very strong in goalkeeping area with the outstanding performances Joel Robles has been giving in the cup.”
Romelu Lukaku will be fit following an ankle problem and Ramiro Funes Mori is also available despite having 10-stitches in a head wound against Dagenham at the weekend.
Tom Cleverley is rated as “50-50” by Martinez and Seamus Coleman will be missing for up to 15 days with a calf strain.
Meanwhile, Martinez said Aiden McGeady is considering offers from England and abroad as Everton prepare to let him leave on loan between now and the end of the season. Burnley and Celtic have been linked with the Republic of Ireland winger.
Steven Naismith, who has an ankle problem, continues to consider his future with Norwich having bid £8.5m for him and Aston Villa among the other clubs interested.
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