Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard has stated his belief that the current squad is the best that he has been involved with.

Roberto Martinez's side have had an inconsistent season in the Premier League, which currently leaves them 14th in the table with nine games remaining.

The Toffees had been tipped for a top-four push before the campaign began, but despite their disappointing return so far, Howard is convinced that he is part of the most talented Everton squad in his nine years at Goodison Park.

"The reality is, this is the best team in terms of depth and quality that I've played on at Everton," Clubcall.com quotes him as saying.

"We're focusing on being tougher, more in your face, making sure our team's in the fight. The rest will come. It's a long, gruelling season, and really, you're only judged at the end. It doesn't matter what gets said in between."

Everton eased their relegation fears with a 3-0 victory over Newcastle United on Sunday.