Stekelenburg keen to suit up against Spurs

Maarten Stekelenburg has been on the receiving end of the vociferous Goodison Park support and now the Dutch keeper is itching to make his first home league start as a Toffee.

The 33-year-old joined Everton this summer from Fulham after loan spells at Monaco and Southampton.

He is aiming to start between the sticks for the Premier League opener at home to Tottenham, and while he admits Spurs will be tricky opponents, Stekelenburg is backing the home support to carry Everton to victory.

“It is nice to start with a home game with the fans behind us,” he said.

“It is a tough first game against Spurs but hopefully we can get a good result.

“Everton fans always travel in big numbers. When we first went to Barnsley (in pre-season), I ran out to do my warm-up and was like, ‘Wow’. Every game we played away it was impressive. I can’t wait to see that at home.

“I was at Goodison with Southampton last season and it is a tough place to go. Hopefully with the fans having our backs on Saturday we can take three points.”

(OLI SCARFF/AFP/Getty Images)

Stekelenburg is battling with Joel Robles for the starting role under Ronald Koeman – his boss at Southampton last season – and the Dutchman hopes he has done enough to convince his countryman.

“I have been working hard and just trying to do what the coaches are asking me to do,” he added.

“You need that bit of luck as well. But hopefully I can make the starting line-up.

“I have settled in well so far. It has been a tough pre-season and the main thing was to get fit. I think we are ready for the start of the season.

“It’s always new when you come to a different club. You have to get to know the players and the people around the club, but that has gone well.”