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Moyes: Howard is back to his best

Thu 06 Mar, 10:30 AM


Everton chief David Moyes feels goalkeeper Tim Howard has rediscovered the form he displayed during his first season in England.The American joined Manchester United in the summer of 2003 and was widely regarded as the best keeper in the country during an impressive first campaign at Old Trafford.

However, a number of high-profile mistakes dogged his second season at the club and Sir Alex Ferguson brought in the experienced Edwin van der Sar as his replacement.

With his first-team opportunities restricted as a result of the Dutchman's arrival, Howard was loaned to Everton at the start of last season before securing a permanent switch in February 2007.

With the Toffees now flying high in the Premier League, Moyes believes that a key factor behind their success this term has been the solid base provided by Howard.

"He was the best keeper in the country in that first season at Manchester United," he said. "He settled into English football straight away and was outstanding.

"It didn't go quite so well after that, and he had to put his career back on track when he came here.

"Tim is now back to his old level and to keep 12 clean sheets in the Premier League this season says everything about his consistency."

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