Howard: Ref Got It Right

Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard insists he was not surprised to stay on the pitch during Saturday's 1-1 draw with Wolves at Goodison Park.

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy suggested after the match that the Blues’ keeper should have been given a straight red for an altercation with Stefan Maierhofer late in the game.

Instead, referee Attwell presented both players with yellow cards. As it was the Wolves’ striker’s second of the game, he was given his marching orders.

Whilst Howard believes the referee handled the situation correctly, he admits he feels a tinge of regret with the way he reacted to Maierhofer.

"I thought it would probably be yellow," Howard told evertonTV. "When you do something stupid like that then you leave it up to someone else to make the decision and thankfully he had a level head and didn't send me off.

"It's a big week for us but I think we are ready for it. We enjoy travelling in Europe and hopefully that will kick us off for what is a big couple of weeks."

The Blues face three away trips in as many competitions, beginning with a journey to Lisbon to play Portuguese giants Benfica in the Europa League on Thursday, then Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium on Sunday, before the Carling Cup fourth round clash against Premier League Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday.

To see more of Tim Howard's exclusive interview with evertonTV click here