JAN MUCHA is playing for his Everton future as he bids to build on his impressive display against Manchester City, says former Blues keeper Thomas Myhre.

The Slovakian goalkeeper has been thrust into the first-team frame after regular number one Tim Howard broke two bones in his back.

Mucha joined the Blues from Legia Warsaw in summer 2010, but has had to contend with life as a second-string regular as Howard’s consistent form left no opportunities for Premier League action.

The 30-year-old only made his top flight debut during Everton’s 3-1 win over Reading on March 2, and followed that steady start by conceding three during the FA Cup quarter-final debacle against Wigan. However, he was on fine form to keep a clean sheet against the reigning champions on Saturday, and his team-mates were fulsome in their praise afterwards.

Mucha’s contract expires in the summer and former Blues keeper Myhre – who was also faced with the tough task of replacing a key man when he succeeded Neville Southall as Goodison number one in 1997 – believes it is a pivotal time for the Slovak.

The former Norway international said: “Whatever happens between now and the summer Jan has to play as well as possible to make a statement.

“It is not easy being a deputy sometimes and Tim Howard has done ever so well for the club. The thing for Jan is that Tim has hardly ever been injured.

“Tim performs well season in, season out and it’s been hard to see how he could be rested.

“David Moyes said earlier this season that maybe he needed another keeper to keep Tim on his toes, but Jan has done well since he came in.

“He made some very good saves against City and I’m sure it was a relief for him.

“Maybe Jan will be thinking about playing so well he gives the manager something to think about when Tim is fit.

“I played 80 or so games for Everton but then got injured and found it very difficult to get my place back when I recovered.

“It will be interesting to see what Moyes does. Everton haven’t kept as many clean sheets as I’m sure they would have liked to this season.

“I’m certainly not saying that’s Tim’s fault but Jan will be wanting to make his mark.”

Meanwhile, Darron Gibson wants his team-mates to return from international duty ready to chase a place in Europe.

“I think we have been great all season,” said the 25-year-old. “(The FA Cup defeat to Wigan) was a bad game for us but against Manchester City we bounced back and showed what kind of team we really are.

“I loved that game. I always enjoy playing at Goodison and getting three points makes it even better.

“We’ll kick on from that performance and hopefully get as many points as we can.

“We’ve shown what we can do.”