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. 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.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.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."Goalkeepers have to make it look as if it hasn't bothered them and get on with the rest of the game."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."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."Everton began the campaign with high hopes after losing just two of their last 24 games last season.Had it not been for a poor start, Moyes' men would have been firmly in European contention.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.The Scot said: "Fortunately this year everyone is fit and we have competition for places."We want people to stand up and say they are taking the jersey."For eight years I have been scrapping week in, week out wondering how I am going to get a team sometimes."This year it is a little bit better but we know we are short in one or two positions in the squad."After the disappointment of Ewood Park, Moyes is also pleased to be running out back on Merseyside this weekend.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."We are hoping we get another good year at Goodison."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.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.After surviving their first year back in the top flight, McCarthy is now aiming to improve on last season's 15th place.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."They want to improve and by the looks of what I have seen, Mick has added one or two players that will help him."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."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.Arteta, who recently signed a new five-year contract, has been tipped as a future captain by current skipper Phil Neville.Moyes said: "In Mikel you have got someone who has pledged himself to the club. That was a big decision for him."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."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."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."Neville is a slight doubt for the game with a foot injury and Victor Anichebe will miss out with a foot problem.

Source: Team_Talk