Tim Howard: Sylvain Distin and Phil Jagielka are "mountains"

Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard has praised the club's defensive pairing of Sylvain Distin and Phil Jagielka.

The defenders have established a solid partnership at the heart of the Blues' backline, and Howard believes that the pair have performed admirably this season, describing them as "mountains".

"They are mountains for me and I've had success because of those two guys," Howard told the club's official website.

"Nothing goes past them and they orchestrate and conduct things at the back.

"Every week it's a pleasure to play with them."

Howard saved a penalty in Saturday's 2-0 win against Aston Villa.