By RYAN TOLMICH
Tim Howard has had his share of struggles since returning from injury a few weeks ago, but do not expect Everton manager Roberto Martinez to give up on his starting goalkeeper.
Martinez has given Howard a vote of confidence despite a recent slump, and is keeping the faith in his starting goalkeeper. Martinez has cited Howard’s experience as part of the reason why ahead of Everton’s Europa League clash with Swiss side Young boys, even after Howard was at fault for both goals in this past weekend’s 2-2 draw with Leicester.
“I think the goalkeeping situation is important,” Martinez told Goal.com. “Tim has come back from injury, he needs to play and get his match fitness. Tim is a very experienced footballer. To have 50 appearances in European competition we don’t take lightly, and in moments like tomorrow we need that sort of experience.”
Howard has played three times since missing out on eight matches due to a calf injury. Backup goalkeeper Joel Robles kept three succesive clean sheets prior to Howard’s return on Feb. 11 against Chelsea.
Everton currently maintains a 4-1 lead over Young Boys in Europa League play behind a finish from Seamus Coleman and a Romelu Lukaku hat-trick.
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What do you think of Martinez’s comments? What type of team do you expect Everton to field Thursday against Young Boys?
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Oh oh! Next the Everton chairman will give the infamous vote of confidence to Martinez and in two weeks both of them will be gone.
Maybe NYCFC should sign him then…..
Everton fans are probably not happy with this.
if everton fans are ready to bench tim f–king howard for a guy who’s had one impressive game, they don’t deserve to be happy.
Hmmm… replace one word and it’s pre-WC nostalgia:
if “USMNT” fans are ready to bench tim f–king howard for a guy who’s had one impressive game, they don’t deserve to be happy.
The dreaded vote of confidence. He’ll be riding the bench the rest of the season.
ha, glad i’m not the only one who thought that.
He’d better give Tim a vote of confidence. ….absolutely superb goalkeeper
Except for recently.
Tim D. you’re both right. He’s absolutely superb… except when he’s not, like since the World Cup.