Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard is determined to keep a clean sheet in tomorrow's derby against Liverpool.

"For me clean sheets usually come in bunches," Howard told evertonTV, "So if you can get on a roll and be consistently playing it helps. The way football is now, if you keep a clean sheet you are well on your way to getting three points."

Saturday's game sees Premier League action resume following the international break and Howard is relishing getting back into the thick of it - although the goalkeeper concedes such breaks can impinge on consistency.

He told evertonTV: "The start to the season has not been as good as last year but it certainly could be a lot worse.

"It is difficult when it is so stop-start because of the international breaks and I think you can seen that.

"Apart from the teams at the top like Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal, who have found good form, it has been very tough for teams to build on victories and maintain a rhythm."