The American is now in his fifth season with the Toffees and has grown to share the passion and excitement of supporters for one of the game's greatest local rivalries. Howard enjoyed a 3-0 victory over Liverpool in just his fourth game for Everton in October 2006 but he admits the contest means much more now. The 30-year-old believes the key to success is understanding how much the fixture means to fans, and that was never more evident than in an FA Cup fifth-round replay two years ago. Everton won that game with a dramatic Dan Gosling goal late in extra time and the occasion left a big mark on Howard. The former Manchester United player said: "I think Danny Gosling's goal probably surpasses the 3-0 at Goodison in my first year, only because I didn't quite understand the importance of it then. "Now it is something I have a passion for. In your first year you can't really appreciate it as much as I do now. "But the biggest part is to understand the history and the meaning to the club and the supporters, and then flick the switch and become a player. "You have to put that in the background as best you can and try to perform. "All the hype does is handcuff and hinder you in terms of being uptight and nervous. "It's for the supporters to be on edge - that's why they pay their money to enjoy that part of it. "It's for us to be understand the importance and try to be level-headed amidst that storm." All of Howard's successes over Liverpool for Everton, including a 2-0 Premier League win earlier this season, have come at Goodison Park. The Blues have not won at Anfield, the venue for tomorrow's 215th clash between the neighbouring Merseyside giants, since Kevin Campbell hit an early winner in September 1999. Everton may feel they have a great chance of ending that sequence this weekend after weeks of turmoil in the red half of the city. Liverpool's poor start to the season came to a head last Saturday as the club parted company with manager Roy Hodgson and replaced him with Kop legend Kenny Dalglish. That rejuvenated disillusioned fans but the team still need lifting after an FA Cup loss to Manchester United and a sorry midweek defeat to Blackpool. By contrast Everton, although only above Liverpool on goal difference, are buoyant after an impressive win over Tottenham and a cup demolition of Scunthorpe. "It has been something that we are all well aware of," said Howard. "And any time you go to Anfield it's a good opportunity to be part of history. "But it is never as easy as that on the day. We know what we are up against - it is a daunting place, a difficult place. "All of us are up for the challenge but we know what we have in front of us. "No matter what are form is like or theirs is like - good, bad or indifferent - it is always a challenge." Both clubs will go into the game feeling they are under-achieving in mid-table positions. But after a run of just one win in 10 games, Everton are hoping their back-to-back successes of the past week indicate a turning of the corner. Howard said: "I think we feel good and performances have been better. Of course it's lifted the mood. "We felt like our big players were contributing once again. "Any time you get two wins on the bounce like that, get through in the cup, it's special. "You need your big players to play with quality and consistency and we hadn't been doing that. "I don't think I have to name names - but I think there are probably six of them on the team who you think have to perform well for us to play well and be successful. "That is what has happened in the last month or so and I hope we are on an upward curve. We feel like we are."
