US GOALKEEPER Tim Howard is expected to start the next World Cup clash against Slovenia on Friday despite taking a boot to the chest from England's Emile Heskey, US coach Bob Bradley said yesterday.

US GOALKEEPER Tim Howard is expected to start the next World Cup clash against Slovenia on Friday despite taking a boot to the chest from England's Emile Heskey, US coach Bob Bradley said yesterday.

Howard dived to gather the ball late in the first half as a sliding Heskey jammed his right boot into the American's chest, though Howard stayed in the game and made several key saves in a 1-1 draw on Saturday.

"I was hurting and sore," Howard said.

"I will be even more sore the next couple of days, but maybe it will get me out of training."

Howard was to be evaluated late yesterday to see if more tests are needed or if he might have broken ribs. But Bradley said the performance he saw from Howard makes him think the Everton player will be back on duty against Slovenia. "At this time I think there's no answer, but when you see the way Timmy handled himself after the collision, you would certainly expect he will be on the field again," Bradley said. - Sapa-AFP