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Martinez praises Robles

Cape Town - Everton manager Roberto Martinez has reserved special praise for goalkeeper Joel Robles for his part in their 2-0 win over Bournemouth in the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday.

The Cherries had a penalty towards the end of the first half at Dean Court, but the in-form Spanish keeper was there to deny Charlie Daniels from the spot before second-half goals from Ross Barkley and Romelu Lukaku fired the Toffees to victory.

"Joel was magnificent in the way he controlled the moment," Martinez said. "He's been working hard behind the scenes for a long time, he enjoys being an Everton goalkeeper and it was pleasing to see that performance.

"I must highlight the role Tim Howard has had for Joel. Since he picked up the injury, his influence has allowed Joel to be calm and relaxed and that showed today.

"I thought it was a really important performance for us. In the first half we were not anywhere near our level but the second half was a real change. We scored twice and it put us in a position we were in before. We had a 2-0 lead here last time but could not manage the game. This time we did.

"Another clean sheet keeps the consistency from our last four performances. We look a really strong team now going into the final part of the season and I am really proud of going into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

"We will take it step-by-step. It was important that we showed we can adapt to this game and now we want to get a really good period in the league. The only thing that has been missing has been wins at home and we are looking to change that.

"The League Cup semi-final gave us an inspiration to want to be at Wembley every chance we can. Clearly the group is hungry for that kind of occasion."

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