LIVERPOOL -- Tim Howard has the full backing of Everton manager Roberto Martinez despite criticism from fans over his recent performances.
United States keeper Howard, 36, will not play against Norwich on Tuesday as Martinez continues his usual policy of fielding backup Joel Robles in Capital One Cup ties.
There have been calls, though, for Howard to be dropped for Sunday's Premier League home match against Sunderland.
In an online poll conducted by the Liverpool Echo, 86 percent of respondents said that the 36-year-old should not play in that match.
Fans have voiced concerns on social media that Howard did not command his penalty area well enough during Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Arsenal.
He was accused of being partially responsible for allowing Olivier Giroud and Laurent Koscielny to score with two close-range headers in quick succession during the first half.
Martinez confirmed during a news conference that Spanish keeper Robles would face Norwich but said there was no need to take Howard out of the spotlight.
He said: "When you are talking about a young player, you need to take those aspects into consideration.
"As we all know, footballers go through good moments of form and bad moments of form. They have good games and unfortunate games. That happens in every single part of a season for any player.
"Tim is a very experienced senior player and has a huge influence in the dressing room. He will be the first to be critical of his performances, but Tim has had very strong highs already this season.
"Given his standards, he's not going to be happy with us as a team conceding two goals in a short space of time, but he's one of the most experienced senior figures that we have and he doesn't need any protection."