Stars in World Cup 2014

All hail safe hands Howard

US goalkeeper Tim Howard (C) and Ghana's defender Jonathan Mensah (R) jump for the ball as US midfielder Clint Dempsey looks on during the 2010 World Cup round of 16 football match at Royal Bafokeng stadium in Rustenburg, South Africa, on June 26, 2010. AFP
US goalkeeper Tim Howard (C) and Ghana's defender Jonathan Mensah (R) jump for the ball as US midfielder Clint Dempsey looks on during the 2010 World Cup round of 16 football match at Royal Bafokeng stadium in Rustenburg, South Africa, on June 26, 2010. AFP

United States coach Jurgen Klinsmann hails national goalkeeper, the Everton and Ex-Man United stopper Tim Howard, as amongst the best five in the world today.

The 35-year-old was so good for Everton this season coach Roberto Martinez described him as vital to their ambitions and extended his contract to 2018.

He served as back-up to Kasey Keller at the 2006 World Cup, and was the starting 'keeper in 2010 as the U.S. ran to the second round.

Brilliant throughout the 2009 Confederations Cup, he won the golden glove award after a 3-2 defeat to Brazil in the final.

During his three seasons at Manchester United, who he joined from New York Metrostars, Howard won the 2004 Premier League 'keeper of the year award, an FA Cup and a League Cup.

Chelsea's English defender John Terry (R) lunges toward the ball as Everton's US goalkeeper Tim Howard (L) fails to make the save leading to the winning goal from a free kick by Chelsea's English midfielder Frank Lampard during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Everton at Stamford Bridge in London on February 22, 2014. AFP

Tim Howard-Profile

Known as T. Howard

Surname: Howard

Firstname: Tim

Country: United States

Date of birth: 1979-03-06

Birthplace: North Brunswick

Height: 191 cm

Weight: 90.0 kg

Playing Career

Position: Goalkeeper

Clubs

North Jersey Imperials (1997-1998), New York Metrostars (1998-2003), Manchester United (Eng/2003-May 2006), Everton (Eng/since July 2006)

International appearances: 100

International debut: 10/03/2002, USA-Ecuador (1-0)

Last international appearance: 08/06/2014, USA-Nigeria (2-1)

Playing Honours

International

World Cup: second round (2010), first round (2006), 4 matches

-Gold Cup (2007), finalist (2011), 10 matches

Confederations Cup: Finalist (2009), first round (2003), 7 matches

Club

-English FA Cup (2004)

-English League Cup (2006)

-Community Shield (2003)

Other honours

English Premier League goalkeeper of the year (2004)

MLS Goalkeeper of the year (2001)