Friday 19 February 2016 12:46, UK
Roberto Martinez has hinted Joel Robles will continue to be his first choice goalkeeper with Tim Howard struggling to find form this season.
Robles has performed well in recent games, despite a glaring mistake which led to Salomon Rondon's goal in Everton's 1-0 loss against West Bromwich Albion, last Saturday.
He came in to the Everton side after Howard picked up a knock in training before the Newcastle game, and the USA international has struggled to regain his place in the side after some strong performances from Robles which has seen Everton concede only one goal in their last three games.
"It's been a really good, consistent period for him and the back four," Martinez said ahead of the FA Cup fifth-round clash with Bournemouth, where Robles is expected to keep his place in goal.
"I think defensively, you look at the performance against West Brom and it's exactly what we expected. We only conceded one corner, one shot on target, and unfortunately that went in.
"To have three clean sheets before that is something we can build on and carry on, on those lines.
"That's when you are in a strong position, when you've got football making the decisions. It's important that you give continuity and at the moment, Joel is doing really well.
"But Tim Howard has been injured and he hasn't been able to fight for his place back. We'll benefit from the competition for places and that's the way I want to see it."
Martinez previously refused to comment on Howard's future at Goodison Park - the American has six months left on his contract.
