TIM HOWARD

Howard joined Everton on loan from Manchester United in 2006-07 and such was his impact at Goodison Park that manager David Moyes made the deal permanent in February 2007.

The goalkeeper, from New Jersey, took up football at high school and started his professional career at the North Jersey Imperials before joining the NY/NJ Metrostars in 1998. Eventually replacing USA legend Tony Meola, he was to stay there for six seasons and established himself as one of Major League Soccer’s leading and most popular players, garnering the nickname ‘T-Ho’.

His talents were spotted by Manchester United goalkeeping coach Tony Coton in 2001 and United kept tabs on him before making a move in the spring of 2003. He made an emotional debut for Manchester United at the Metrostars’ home ground in a pre-season tour match with Juventus.

However, despite a hugely promising start to his career in the Premier League, a drop in form and the arrival of Edwin van der Sar and Tomasz Kuszczak pushed down the pecking order. With Everton looking to replace the retiring Nigel Martyn, Howard took his chance to play first-team football and moved to Goodison Park on loan in the 2006-07 season.

Becoming one of the most consistent goalkeepers in the league, his form over the following seasons kept Everton in the hunt for European contention and he continued to impress for the USA national team, winning the CONCACAF Gold Cup as USA beat Mexico 2-1 in 2007.

Strengths: An athletic and intelligent ‘keeper, his bravery is one of his strongest points and he is not afraid to put his head where it hurts.

Weaknesses: His positioning can be suspect from crosses and corners .

Career high: Howard was awarded the Golden Glove award for best goalkeeper at the 2009 Confederations Cup.

Career low: After making a few high-profiles errors at Old Trafford, he was dropped to third-choice goalkeeper in 2005-06.

Style: Intense, clinical, a consistent ‘keeper who commands respect.

Quote: “Tim Howard has been terrific this year. He has been reliable and consistent, but what we need is pressure on positions. He will have more competition next season.” David Moyes, April 2010.

Trivia: Howard has Tourette’s syndrome and was named MLS Humanitarian of the Year in 2001 for his work with children with Tourette’s.