Back to the United States Newsfeed

Martinez confirms Tim Howard is second choice at Everton

The Toffees manager has named Joel Robles the starter ahead of the veteran U.S. national team goalkeeper.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez confirmed United States goalkeeper Tim Howard is expected to serve as the backup to Joel Robles moving forward.

Robles stepped into the starting XI earlier this month after Howard missed the 3-0 victory over Newcastle on Feb. 3 with a knee complaint. The former Wigan goalkeeper retained his place for the 3-0 victory over Stoke City on Feb. 6 and the 1-0 defeat to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

Martinez planned to start Robles in the FA Cup anyway, but the manager faced a decision about whether to retain him for Premier League matches after Robles made an error on Salomon Rondon’s goal last weekend and Howard returned to full fitness.