Cahill thrilled to bounce back

Toffees talisman honoured to play his part

By Ben Collins   Last updated: 14th December 2008

Cahill thrilled to bounce back

Cahill: Celebrates late winner

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Tim Cahill has admitted his relief that Everton bounced straight back from their Aston Villa heartache.

Cahill was used as an emergency striker against Manchester City on Saturday and headed a last-gasp winner to give the Toffees a 1-0 victory.

Last week they looked to have rescued a point against Villa when Joleon Lescott grabbed a stoppage-time equaliser only for Ashley Young to pounce at the death to condemn David Moyes' men to a demoralising 3-2 defeat.

The Toffees regrouped, though, and put in a determined performance at Eastlands to claim their sixth away win of the season.

"This is a great day," said Cahill. "We just wanted to get ourselves back up after that result (against Villa).

Team ethic

"It is all about playing for the team and playing for each other. Wherever you are asked to play, you do it because it is an honour to play for this club.

"We had to persevere and wait against City. We worked so hard and I think we deserved the victory.

"This is a results business and we needed a result so badly. It is great to pick ourselves up like this."

Cahill has struggled with injury problems this season and his goal on Saturday was his first in three months.

Yet despite struggling to get back into his stride in recent weeks, the Australia international insists he is happy just to be doing a job for the team.

"I am just getting back into the flow," he said. "I am going to keep trying.

"The way I see it, if I have not got the ball, I need to work off it. For my part it is nice to be part of this team."

Reshuffle

Moyes was left without a recognised striker after Victor Anichebe failed a fitness test on his back so Cahill filled in up front, with Marouane Fellaini in support and Mikel Arteta pulling the strings in midfield.

"Fellaini was a big influence," said Moyes. "I think they found him difficult to deal with.

"He showed composure on the ball and was a threat physically. He looks as though he has a goal in him. He can go box to box and is doing really well.

"Arteta was terrific. We know all about his skill but he did it all, he defended when he had to and stayed with them."