Everton FC News: Everton FC’s Tim Cahill calls on team to build up some momentum

Sep 11 2009 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

Everton FC News: REVITALISED Tim Cahill has urged Everton to continue building the momentum when they return to action at the weekend.

David Moyes’s side travel to Fulham on Sunday having registered their first Premier League win of the season with a last-gasp 2-1 triumph against Wigan Athletic almost a fortnight ago.

While many of Everton’s squad subsequently jetted around the world for crucial World Cup qualifiers, Cahill stayed behind at Finch Farm having been omitted from Australia’s friendly against South Korea in Seoul.

And the midfielder believes he has benefited from a rare break from his usual long-haul commitments for his country.

“The international break has been good,” said Cahill. “I’ve been lucky enough to stay back and just rest and prepare for the Fulham game. It was only a friendly against Korea, but it’s not often that I get this chance.

“It’s a massive game against Fulham.

“It’s great to have a win under our belts and to move forward.

“We’re starting to play with a bit of fluidity and the team is looking good.

“We know it’s going to be a difficult game but I think the best thing for us is that we’re on a bit of a high and we look to keep this train on the tracks.”

Sunday’s encounter at Craven Cottage pits together the two remaining English representatives in the Europa

League, the group stage of which begins next Thursday.

Leon Osman’s brace at Fulham in the last game of last season was Everton’s first victory at the ground in almost 43 years.

And Cahill is looking forward to the return, and said: “Fulham’s ground is small and it’s a bit more intimate. But I like playing there; I’ve played there for many a year, starting with Millwall.

“It’s got good history, and it seems to be working for them. So we’re going there knowing what they’re all about and any result for us will be brilliant.”

Moyes may include Yakubu in his squad as the Nigerian continues to build match sharpness following his comeback from the Achilles injury that sidelined him for nine months.

The striker returned to action with a 70-minute run-out for the reserves before making a late substitute appearance at Sigma Olomouc last month.

And Yakubu said: “It’s good to be back involved again as nine months out was just too long.

“I just want to play and entertain again and with a few more games I’m sure I will be fine.

“It’s been frustrating being out – really, it’s been hell watching from the stands and on television.

“Now I just want to play injury-free for a long time.

“We’ll just have to see how everything goes. Mentally I feel sharp and I know that the players are behind me.

“I have my confidence and I am going to work hard in training.”

Everton’s injury concerns are starting to ease with Victor Anichebe, another long-term absentee, returning to full training this week.

The Nigerian international striker has not played since he badly damaged knee ligaments following a dreadful tackle by Newcastle United’s Kevin Nolan during the goalless draw at St James’ Park on February 22.