Everton stopper Tim Howard believes he is approaching his prime after the 30-year-old American broke Neville Southall's club record for clean sheets in one season and became the first Toffees goalkeeper to concede fewer than 100 goals in his first 100 appearances. "I'm excited. It (new contract) comes at a really good time. I guess any new deal is a good thing but to be able to seal it now and go home for the summer is good," he told evertonTV.

"It was relatively easy. The club wanted me here, I wanted to be here and it worked out really well.

"I feel this is some of the best football I've ever played but, from what history tells me, goalkeepers normally come into their prime about this time.

"If I can have my best years here at Everton I think everyone will be excited and I know I'd be over the moon.

"It would be a great place for me to have my peak time. It's a place I've said all along where I enjoy coming to work every day."