Tim Howard has praised Everton's fans for being "over the top passionate" while supporting the team regardless of the result.

The Toffees' faithful were very vocal during the team's recent draw with Hull City and home victory against Queens Park Rangers earlier this month.

Howard told the Liverpool Echo: "Personally, if I'm being honest, I'd rather have it the way we have it, where our fans are over the top passionate, both winning and losing.

"Because, listen, when we go to certain games, I won't name names, it's a home game for us because the [home] fans are terrible. I wouldn't want to play somewhere like that.

"Here you can appreciate it. Players thrive off pressure and I'm having it all day, really. I think everyone would agree it's important the players and fans are pulling in the same direction, because it's such a passionate game."

Everton, who were beaten 3-0 by Southampton on Saturday, host Stoke City on Boxing Day.