Howard upbeat despite Everton loss

Howard has been ever present in the Premier League for Everton this term

Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard believes Saturday’s defeat by Manchester United will not dent their confidence going into the final games of the season.

That result ended a seven-match unbeaten league run, which has seen the Toffees rise to seventh in the table.

Howard told BBC Radio Merseyside; “We have to take a lot of positives from the game.

“We need to go to Wigan on Saturday and build on that and get a result there because we can do it.”

With four games to go, Everton are five points behind sixth-placed neighbours Liverpool, but have been boosted by the recent return from injury of key players Seamus Coleman, Jack Rodwell and Tim Cahill.

Cahill came off the bench at the weekend to figure in his first game since 26 February, and Howard said it is great to have him back.

“He’s our engine,” added the United States international. “We feel comfortable and more secure as a team when he’s out there so it’s helped to have him back.”