The 34-year-old has spent much of his career as a back-up goalkeeper, warming the bench and rarely getting the chance to play.

That is the role he will again undertake with the Toffees after agreeing a two-year contract, with a year option, to put pressure on number one Howard.

Nash, who has been understudy at a host of clubs including Wigan, Manchester City and Middlesbrough said: "Tim Howard is an amazing goalkeeper and it will be almost impossible to displace him. But I am here to give him competition.

"The problem with goalkeeping is that there is only one place. I have to be ready to step in when ever the call comes.

"You have to make the impact in training, to show you are concentrating.

"I'm fitter now than ever, I started as a 22-year-old and I want to go on for years. David James, Brad Friedel and the like have always shown that is possible.

"I don't see myself leaving here now, I have a two-year contract with a year option and aim to make the most of it."

He added: "I handle this situation by working hard, keep improving and be better. Lots of people are thinking of retiring at my age, but not me.

"I can't play in the Carling Cup because I played for Wigan last week, but I shall be waiting for my chance.

"I had a good taste of Europe with Middlesbrough, and I hope I can do something like that again.

"I suppose I am disappointed that after all these years I am still seen as a back-up keeper, but I feel I have never been given a long enough run in a side to prove anything.

"I am still hoping for a long run, but I handle it with a strong mentality and I love playing football. I always work hard in training and make sure I get the most out of things.

"I must be prepared to be straight into the action. You have to be on top of things.

"The potential here is to break into the top four, certainly improve on last season."

A genuine Toffees fan, Nash added: "I'm very proud to be here, I didn't have a second thought.

"As a kid I lived in Bolton and my neighbour then was the brother of an ex-Everton player. He took me when I was just a kid and the first game was a derby with Liverpool.

"We lost heavily but I was hooked. The fans were amazing, 50,000 of them and the noise was amazing.

"That is when I started watching Neville Southall, and that was my link into goalkeeping. I watched him and tried to learn.

"I always fancied a move to Everton, but it has never happened until now. But I am here, I have got to where I want to be and I want to make the most of it."