Everton's Tim Howard praises Romelu Lukaku after goal against West Brom

Goalkeeper Tim Howard believes Romelu Lukaku's stunning strike in Everton’s 2-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion vindicates his record transfer fee.

Lukaku’s sensational effort combined with a Kevin Mirallas drive saw Everton pick up their first win of the season at The Hawthorns on Saturday.

In only the second minute, Jonas Olsson scuffed a clearance to the edge of the box and Lukaku curled a shot around Baggies goalkeeper Ben Foster.

Following a successful loan spell at Goodison Park last term Lukaku made his move to Everton permanent with a £28million move, as manager Roberto Martinez smashed the club's transfer record to secure his services, and Howard believes the Belgium international was worth every penny.

He’s electric, he’s so alive, he celebrates goals in training. Everything counts to him, everything matters. That’s what you want to see.

“That’s what a big-money player does,” he told reporters. “Rom is hungry. He cost a lot of money but he’s not arrogant.

“He wants to be the best footballer in the world. That’s what he thinks of himself. He gets his head down and he works – and we push him.

“He’s electric, he’s so alive, he celebrates goals in training. Everything counts to him, everything matters. That’s what you want to see.

“With guys of his talent, the sky’s the limit. He is not affected by the transfer fee.”

Everton drew their two opening Premier League matches against newly-promoted Leicester City and Arsenal before losing 6-3 to Chelsea and Howard insists Martinez made clear the need for improvement.

“The gaffer told us in not so many words that we need to improve,” he admitted.

“It got hammered into us this week to get the bit between our teeth. We did that and got the response we were looking for.”