2 gongs make a right.

BATE v Everton TIM HOWARD last night rubbished Martin O'Neill's claim it's impossible to combine European football with a successful Premiership season.

In fact, the Everton keeper reckons a strong campaign on the Continent can help their domestic form.

Howard insists the two can go hand-in-hand and pointed to 2008 when his side managed to reach the last 16 of the UEFA Cup and finish fifth in the Premiership.

The US star said: "Two seasons ago, we kept going from strength to strength.

"We hope Europe continues to be a positive. We enjoy playing at the weekend, getting to a Thursday, coming back, having a few hours' sleep then going again. We're used to it now and we can deal with it."

Everton have won their last four games without conceding to put their shaky league start behind them and Howard swears it is crucial to maintain that momentum against Bate.

He said: "The club's mantra says if we stop the opposition scoring, we won't be beaten. The modern game is about scoring but we're determined to keep it air tight at the back."