Martinez eyes goalkeeping solution



The 24-year-old Spaniard is currently deputising for Tim Howard, who is sidelined for six weeks with a calf injury, and while the Toffees boss will look for additional cover while the transfer window is open he is not considering a quick fix.

Both experienced United States international Howard and Robles have three years remaining on their contracts, with the former signing a two-year extension last April and remaining first choice even though Martinez signed Robles, with whom he had worked at Wigan on loan from Atletico Madrid, when he took over at Goodison Park in the summer of 2013.

Robles potentially has a few weeks to convince his manager he can do a job for him but Martinez is already looking at alternatives.

"Tim Howard is going to be out for six or seven weeks so we are a little bit exposed in that department as there is only Joel in the squad with any experience," he said.

"The other two young players (Jindrich Stanek and Russell Griffiths) at the club have terrific potential but it would be unfair to put them in a situation where they have to win games.

"I don't think it would be positive for any youngster to have to cope with a debut, they need to play league football before they can be thrown into first-team action.

"You want the young players to be ready and we will give them opportunities but now we have to be relying on experience and that is why we will look into that situation.

"There are a couple of options I feel could fit really well but I wouldn't just bring in anyone who stops the development of a youngster.

"I would rather make it a long-term signing

I don't think short-term would be a solution for us now."

Robles will continue in goal against West Ham on Tuesday, an FA Cup tie in which Martinez admits his side need to put in a performance to silence the doubters.

His team have lost their last four matches and have just one win and a draw in nine games, a run which has seen some fans begin to question the Spaniard's suitability.

"I think it is completely normal," added Martinez.

"As a club we have all been disappointed by the results

We now have three games at home and it is really important we support each other.

"We need to get that positive result which would trigger our season and a bit of momentum, which I don't think we have had this season.

"The message to the fans is very clear - we are all together and when we face adversity we need to react in the proper way

"

Meanwhile, West Ham manager Sam Allardyce believes as things stand there will be "no future" for defender Winston Reid at the club past the end of the season

The 26-year-old New Zealand international is out of contract in the summer, and as yet has failed to agree new terms with the Irons.

Allardyce now feels the player has decided to further his career elsewhere, with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United having been touted as possible destinations.

"There is no future for Winston Reid at West Ham United at the moment because his contract finishes on June 30," said Allardyce, who maintains there had been no contact from any clubs so far in the January window.

"He hasn't said he is going to sign and he hasn't said he isn't, but you would err on the side that he isn't by the feel and the look of it at this moment in time, by the know-how in the football world I have been talking to - other managers and so forth about the situation.

"So I would say it is highly unlikely that Winston is going to sign for us based on what people are saying to me."

West Ham are continuing to assess the extent of the back injury suffered by forward Diafra Sakho against West Brom, which could prevent him from being able to join up with Senegal at the African Nations Cup

Midfielders Cheikhou Kouyate and Alex Song have both left for international duty, while defender James Tomkins, who was suspended for the 1-1 draw with West Brom on New Year's Day, faces a fitness test on an ankle problem

Allardyce admits he has few options of player rotation, but the likes of Ricardo Vaz Te and Matt Jarvis are expected to feature at Goodison Park.

Source : PA

Source: PA