HOWARD TO FILL NIGE'S BOOT'S

Tim Howard has told evertonTV he is not over-awed by the prospect of filling Nigel Martyn's boots.
 
The US international is expected to start in goal for the Blues in the opening game of the season against Watford at Goodison on Saturday.
 
He arrived in the summer on a season-long loan from Manchester United following Martyn's enforced retirement through injury.
 
Martyn has been described by David Moyes as his greatest ever signing and was a key figure for the Blues during more than two years at the club.
 
But Howard insists he is relishing the challenge of filling his boots.
 
He told evertonTV: "I would imagine they are big boots to fill. He is a phenomenal keeper who has done well here and throughout his career with the likes of England and Leeds.
 
"But it is not something I think about. I am my own keeper and I will do my own thing and leave comparisons with former players for other people.
 
"If it is Nigel Martyn helping get three points or me, the main thing is getting the three points and that is what I want to do."
 
Howard has revealed he has already formed a rapport with the club's defenders and that is a vital key to the Blues providing a tight defence this term.
 
He added: "Inevitably you always get a little ancy because pre-season tends to be a little long and now it starts to mean something and knowing it is around the corner makes it exciting.
 
"It was important for me to get in here and come back fairly early. I have come back and made sure I integrated well into the squad and for me it has been good.
 
"It is vitally important to have a rapport because communication is everything. There are some top quality defenders here to work with."
 
This interview is available in full on evertonTV.