Tim Howard: Everton must keep it tough in training
EVERTON will refuse to change their Finch Farm training routine - despite an injury crisis which has left Victor Anichebe as their solitary striking option.
But goalkeeper Tim Howard has joked that they may have to ask Anichebe to wear an orange bib in training . . . so he doesn't become the latest victim!
The Blues have lost Yakubu, James Vaughan and Louis Saha to injury in recent weeks - although Saha could be fit for tomorrow's trip to Manchester City - while Anichebe was taken off injured against Aston Villa last weekend.
But Howard stressed today: "We do what we normally do in training. We have to take the knocks; there's only one way to train.
"At the start of the season you can never figure out where injuries are going to come - and the injuries to the strikers all at the same time has decimated us.
"We might have to ask Vic to wear an orange bib in training!"
Howard paid tribute to Anichebe's efforts last weekend, and says the youngster has the confidence of everybody at Finch Farm.
"In a perfect world we want all of our strikers fit," he added. "Having said that none of us have hung our heads at the injuries because we know Vic and he put in a really good performance.
"He gave their defenders nightmares. We know he's a good player who works hard.
"He's a strong kid, a tough kid.
"So we also know he doesn't need pampering, either. We encourage him, we hold him to a certain standard and he holds himself up there."
The injury situation means that boss David Moyes is currently scouring Europe for striking reinforcements, but the prospect of Portsmouth's striker, David Nugent, a boyhood Blue, joining them receded last night.
Pompey boss Tony Adams said: "Everton have not contacted us and David has not said he wants to go. I am not thinking about loaning him out in January. He is too close to the first team and one injury and he is playing.
"He has got himself fit and he is training well. I like his attitude, his enthusiasm. He does not stop moving, makes intelligent runs and tries to get in behind defenders.
"Two summers ago I saw him play for England under-21s and he and Leroy Lita had an outstanding tournament. He has done well at that level and needs to make the next step."
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