Cahill relishing returning stars

Toffees ace expecting results to improve

Last updated: 16th November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Cahill relishing returning stars

Cahill: Wants stars back

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Tim Cahill insists Everton will be a force to be reckoned with again when their injured stars are available for manager David Moyes.

The Toffees' treatment room has been busier than most with Phil Jagielka, Mikel Arteta, Victor Anichebe, Phil Neville, Jo, James Vaughan and Steven Pienaar all troubled by differing knee injuries.

Everton's form on the pitch has dipped of late after going on a seven-game winless run prior to last weekend's 2-1 Premier League success at West Ham.

Cahill believes their form has been acceptable in the circumstances and that the players' desire and hunger to succeed is as strong as ever.

Extra help

"The lads that have been in the team have been fantastic but we need that bit of extra help," said the Australia international.

"It's about how we kick on and get more injured players back to share the workload.

"We have lost our way a bit in the last few weeks, but now it's all about getting our heads down and just working.

"I think the hunger's there. We definitely are good enough - it's whether or not we can make it happen."

Meanwhile, Cahill's team-mate Lucas Neill has declared his interest in playing in Australia's Asia Cup qualifier against Kuwait.

The January match comes straight after the FA Cup third round weekend and three days before Everton travel to Arsenal, a move that is unlikely to please Moyes.

Availability

"I'll put my hand up, definitely," said Neill of the fixture in the New Year.

"The old club versus country argument will happen again, but it's Australia trying to get to another big tournament.

"I'd like to be part of it, I'd like to lead the team out. Let's see how the games fall, and how my personal situation is.

"If you're not playing [at club level], then I'm sure plenty of boys will be putting their hand up.

"There's a lot of competition for those 23 spots to go to South Africa."