Everton boss names Joel Robles No. 1 over Tim Howard

Everton gaffer Roberto Martinez is shaking things up at Goodison Park, handing second-choice 'keeper Joel Robles the No. 1 gig ahead of U.S. international Tim Howard.

Martinez spoke with the media ahead of the Toffees' trip to Bournemouth on Saturday for an FA Cup fifth-round tilt, and when asked if Robles was now first choice, the Catalan gaffer replied, "he is."

"It's been a really good, consistent period for him and the back four," Martinez said. "I think defensively, you look at the performance against West Brom and it's exactly what we expected. We only conceded one corner, one shot on target, and unfortunately that went in."

Robles, who played for Martinez at Wigan until making the Merseyside switch two-and-a-half years ago, played second fiddle to the 106-time capped international until injuries sidelined Howard.

"Tim Howard has been injured and he hasn't been able to fight for his place back," Martinez added. "We'll benefit from the competition for places, and that's the way I want to see it."

"To have three clean sheets before that is something we can build on and carry on on those lines."

Robles, 25, has started Everton's last three Premier League matches, and hasn't allowed a goal yet as the Toffees outscored opponents 7-0 during that spell. Typically the club's cup keeper, having appeared in six League Cup fixtures paired with two FA Cup matches, the angular Atletico Madrid academy product will now assume the No. 1 duties ahead of Howard.

"That's when you are in a strong position, when you've got football making the decisions. It's important that you give continuity, and at the moment, Joel is doing really well."

Related: Martinez hints that Tim Howard could leave Everton in the summer

Martinez's decision will only prompt further speculation that Howard is poised for a move to the MLS in the summer, with the 36-year-old's 10-year tenure at Everton seemingly nearing its conclusion.