Everton FC goalkeeper Tim Howard happy to have competition from Jan Mucha

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TIM HOWARD admits Jan Mucha’s presence in the Everton squad provides welcome competition for the Goodison Park goalkeeper’s jersey.

Howard made his first pre-season appearance during Saturday’s 2-1 win at Championship side Birmingham City, having been allowed an extended summer break following his exertions with the USA at the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

In his absence, the Slovakian international Mucha had performed solidly during games with Bury, Philadelphia Union and DC United.

Mucha is yet to make a Premier League appearance for the Blues, starting just two Carling Cup ties since his free transfer from Legia Warsaw last summer, but Howard says the 28-year-old’s presence will help keep him on his toes and avoid the dangers of complacency.

“It’s important to have that competition,” said Howard (below). “Jan is a very good goalkeeper, he’s top quality.

“Competition and pushing each other is important, we all need it and it’s part and parcel of football today.

“You can’t really rest on your laurels you have to keep pushing yourself every season, because if you stand still you’re going backwards.”

Howard admits that he still has a way to go before he is at top fitness. He survived unscathed for 78 minutes on Saturday before being beaten by Adam Rooney’s deft flick.

The American is likely to feature in the Blues’ final two pre-season fixtures, against German outfit Werder Bremen tonight and then on Friday against Spanish side Villarreal, and says he hopes to be back in prime condition by the time the new league campaign begins on Saturday week.

“I had a pretty comfortable save early on and that helped me get into the flow of the game,” added Howard.

“Obviously talking, shouting, communicating and all the rest of it was important to get my feet back under me.

“I’m not there yet but it was a good start and there’s definitely something to build on.”

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