U.S. and Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard says he's still eyeing a September return to international football.
Howard has been on a self-imposed year-long international hiatus since leading the United States into the knockout stage of the 2014 World Cup, but the veteran shot-stopper is ready to be a part of the U.S. program once again in the fall.
"After I spoke with Jurgen, I just decided to take this year off and then come back into the fold if I was fit, healthy and playing next September," he told Everton's official website.
"I'll integrate myself back into the team if they will still have me and go from there and see what happens."
Howard, who turned 36 in March, says has no regrets about taking the time out as it has afforded him time to reconnect with loved ones.
"I wanted more time with my family as I wanted more time out with my children and, to be honest, it's been a great decision," the three-time World Cup participant said.
Howard's absence from the squad, however, doesn't mean he hasn't been following Jurgen Klinsmann & Co. closely. The World Cup star shared his thoughts on the progress the national team has made under the German.
"We're trying to progress slowly but surely," he said. "It's not easy in America as soccer is not the No. 1 sport as it is everywhere else in the world. But it's come on leaps and bounds and I think what people appreciate about the U.S. team is we're never really out of any game. We're a bunch of guys who graft, work hard and don't understand the meaning of the word 'no.'
"One of the things Jurgen Klinsmann is not afraid to do is try young talent and throw them in at the deep end to see if they swim and can handle the pressure of playing in the international team. Jurgen really believes in building U.S. soccer -- not just the men's team but producing crops of players who can contribute and I think he's been brilliant so far."
The keeper went on to hail Klinsmann for bringing a much-needed fearlessness to the team.
"Jurgen believes in testing his players by putting us in tough positions, not always on home soil, against the top teams in the world," he said.
"I think it shows when we do that over the course of four years, then we're not starstruck at the World Cup. If we're in a 'Group of Death,' we don't worry. We're ready for that challenge."