World Cup doubts triggered Rapids move, claims Howard

during the Barclays Premier League match between Everton and Aston Villa at Goodison Park on November 21, 2015 in Liverpool, England.

Tim Howard says he decided to leave Everton to give himself a greater chance of being picked for the 2018 World Cup.

The goalkeeper recently announced that he will be leaving the Toffees at the end of the season to join Colorado Rapids.

He has been competing with Aston Villa's Brad Guzan for the USA starting role but hopes a move to the MLS could increase his chances of playing in Russia.

"It gives me an opportunity to be in the shop window before the next World Cup," he said. "And the excitement about being in Colorado and building something...people don't care to hear that but that's the most important thing for me.

"I had two years left at the club I love and I planned on playing them out until this opportunity came up. It was an opportunity I couldn't pass up."

Howard has made 352 Premier League appearances for Everton and is the most capped USA goalkeeper of all time.

However, USA head coach Jurgen Klinsmann declined to say whether Howard or Guzan will start the World Cup qualifier against Guatemala on Friday.

"We have the highest respect for Tim and Brad," he said. "Having a player like Tim back in our group is huge because of his experience. Is it more ideal if he (were starting for Everton)? Absolutely. ...

"He's played I don't know how many hundred games in the Premier League. He knows how to deal with (inactivity). He is calm. He is a top professional."