Source: Team_Talk
Moyes: Tim's still Toffees number one
Everton manager David Moyes has backed goalkeeper Tim Howard to bounce back from last week's costly blunder.[LNB] The United States World Cup number one was at fault for the only goal as Everton were beaten at Blackburn in their Premier League opener last week.[LNB]The 31-year-old was one of the Toffees' most consistent performers last season and Moyes has been impressed with his response since the error.[LNB]Moyes said: "You get affected when you make a mistake but I could see a lot of other people on the pitch making mistakes that didn't lead directly to goals.[LNB]"Goalkeepers have to make it look as if it hasn't bothered them and get on with the rest of the game.[LNB]"I think Tim did that, he got on with the game and now we have all moved on from it. He has been fine and trained really well.[LNB]"It wasn't just him. He made a glaring mistake which everyone picks up on but he has been very good for us over the years and I hope he continues to be very good."[LNB]Everton began the campaign with high hopes after losing just two of their last 24 games last season.[LNB]Had it not been for a poor start, Moyes' men would have been firmly in European contention.[LNB]The difference from 12 months ago is that Moyes now has close to a fully-fit squad and he is determined to get the season up and running as Wolves visit Goodison Park on Saturday.[LNB]The Scot said: "Fortunately this year everyone is fit and we have competition for places.[LNB]"We want people to stand up and say they are taking the jersey.[LNB]"For eight years I have been scrapping week in, week out wondering how I am going to get a team sometimes.[LNB]"This year it is a little bit better but we know we are short in one or two positions in the squad."[LNB]After the disappointment of Ewood Park, Moyes is also pleased to be running out back on Merseyside this weekend.[LNB]He added: "We can't wait to get back to Goodison. It has always been good for us over the years and we tend to win the majority of our games there.[LNB]"We are hoping we get another good year at Goodison."[LNB]Everton take on a Wolves side in high spirits after a positive summer on the transfer front and an impressive opening-day win over Stoke.[LNB]Mick McCarthy has been one of the most active managers during the close season, bringing in players such as striker Steven Fletcher, winger Stephen Hunt and attack-minded Belgium left-back Jelle van Damme.[LNB]After surviving their first year back in the top flight, McCarthy is now aiming to improve on last season's 15th place.[LNB]Moyes said: "They have been one of the spenders in the Premier League this season, they have bought a few players and tried to make sure they are not at the bottom end.[LNB]"They want to improve and by the looks of what I have seen, Mick has added one or two players that will help him.[LNB]"We know how hard the game is going to be. They have got good players. We need to make sure we are at our best."[LNB]Moyes will look to the likes of Tim Cahill, Marouane Fellaini, Steven Pienaar and Mikel Arteta to take a grip of the game from midfield.[LNB]Arteta, who recently signed a new five-year contract, has been tipped as a future captain by current skipper Phil Neville.[LNB]Moyes said: "In Mikel you have got someone who has pledged himself to the club. That was a big decision for him.[LNB]"He now knows if he wants success at the club he has to make sure the rest of us want the same. He has to drag the team up.[LNB]"The way Phil Neville has done that has been fantastic. He is a brilliant leader and a great example to everyone on the training ground. He came with great habits from a good football club.[LNB]"Hopefully Mikel will have picked up off Phil Neville and will take it on in the future if he is asked to do the job."[LNB]Neville is a slight doubt for the game with a foot injury and Victor Anichebe will miss out with a foot problem.
