Howard praises Everton defenders

Howard joined Everton from Manchester United in 2006

Everton keeper Tim Howard has paid tribute to his defence for their role in helping him break the club's clean-sheet record on Saturday.

Neville Southall held the Everton record for 15 clean sheets during the 1995/96 season, but Howard now has 16.

"I'd take those guys to battle with me any day," Howard told BBC Radio Merseyside after breaking the record.

"We've got every aspect of what you want in defenders. It's been a great defensive unit."

Despite the Blues breaking new ground, the squad has had to battle throughout the season with injures to key players.

I think it's a testament to not only our players but to our manager

Everton keeper Tim Howard on the Blues battle against injuries

Striker Yakubu, midfielder Mikel Arteta and defender Phil Jagielka form the backbone of the Everton team and while they have been out of action other players have had to step in.

Howard says league league position has been down to the hard work by the players and manager David Moyes to overcome their bad fortune.

"I think it's a testament to not only our players but to our manager," Howard continued.

"He stood up publically and said we're not going to fold. Guys have been asked to play out of position for long periods of time and never complained or moaned.

"They just got after it and we saw the rewards in some of the goals we scored without a striker. So hats off to the guys."