TIM'S TARGET

Thursday 18 October 2007, 15:50
by Claire Boden @YourEverton

Tim Howard wants to start a run of clean sheets against Liverpool.

The Blues’ stopper has just one shutout to his name this term – in the last home game against Middlesbrough.

But USA international Howard believes that clean sheets come in clusters and he wants to add to his tally at Saturday’s Merseyside derby.

“For me clean sheets usually come in bunches,” Howard told evertonTV, “So if you can get on a roll and be consistently playing it helps. The way football is now, if you keep a clean sheet you are well on your way to getting three points.”

Saturday’s game sees Premier League action resume following the international break and Howard is relishing getting back into the thick of it - although the goalkeeper concedes such breaks can impinge on consistency.

He told evertonTV: “The start to the season has not been as good as last year but it certainly could be a lot worse.

“It is difficult when it is so stop-start because of the international breaks and I think you can seen that.

“Apart from the teams at the top like Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal, who have found good form, it has been very tough for teams to build on victories and maintain a rhythm.”

The Reds have had a mixed start to the season themselves and Howard dismisses current form playing a part in the derby.

“I don’t know if form really plays a part. They (Liverpool) are going to be up for it as are we,” he said.

“I think on any given day they can get the result they need as we can. I don’t buy into that they have not been in form - it does not really play a part.

“Liverpool have so many weapons so one or two injuries does not make a difference with the depth they have in their squad. It is an opportunity for us to go out and prove ourselves.”

Watch the interview in full only on evertonTV.