Everton defender Sylvain Distin does not feel the absence of goalkeeper Tim Howard will affect his side when they take on Southampton in a Barclays Premiership match on Sunday.

Howard was given a straight red card in Everton’s last league match against Sunderland after bringing down Ki Sung-Yueng inside the box.

Goalkeeper Joel Robles came on after his dismissal and Distin admits that the side is confident in his abilities ahead of their next league match.

“We have to feel comfortable with Joel behind us,” said Distin.

“He's proved he can handle it, and anyway there is no point stressing because one player or another isn't there. We're not a one-man team.

“Joel did well when he came on in the second half. Like Bryan Oviedo he can take his chance now.”

Distin added that every position in the team has a capable player waiting in the wings if needed.

“What we've got this season, compared maybe to the one before, is that in nearly every single position we've got guys waiting to play, wanting to prove they should be on the pitch,” added Distin.

“At centre-back it's the same - there are two guys who haven't played yet and when you see the way they train you see they are giving everything to play.

“That's a team for you and that's what you need if you want to compete for something interesting and some glory at the end of the season.

“You need to be a team, not just have an 11.”