Everton FC players aren’t saving ourselves for the World Cup insists Tim Cahill

Mar 19 2010 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

TIM CAHILL believes Everton could still enjoy a “special season” as he allayed fears their players were saving themselves for the World Cup.

The Australian has echoed the thoughts of Phil Jagielka and Yakubu this week by refusing to give up hope of European qualification.

Everton stand in ninth place in the table, currently eight points adrift of a Europa League berth.

As many as 10 of David Moyes’s squad could be involved in the finals in South Africa this summer.

But with only two of Everton’s remaining nine games against teams above them in the table, Cahill has stressed the squad will not be resting on their laurels as long as there is a chance of another place in Europe.

“We’ve got a lot of players involved in the World Cup but no-one’s really resting or trying to save themselves,” said the 30-year-old.

“We’re going to give everything for the push to the end of the season because European football is a massive feat for us and something we’re striving to play in next season.

“It’s nine games to go and we know what points we need to get. We’re not losing sight of where we want to be, but if we take one game at a time it could be a special season.

“I’m not one to look too far ahead but we know our targets for the next nine games and it starts against Bolton, so the more games we win we’ll definitely have a chance of finishing in a European place.

“We’ve got a strong squad, a strong mentality and we want to kick on. We don’t want to rest on our laurels.”

Cahill returned to action in last Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Birmingham City after missing the previous four games with a calf problem.

The Australian limped off during the second half but is confident of being available for tomorrow’s visit of Bolton Wanderers.

And he said: “I’ve played in pretty much all the games this season bar the last four so it was difficult having to watch.

“Coming back in after three weeks out was difficult and I’m still getting to grips with my calf.

“I’ve had a few little problems but I got 75 minutes under my belt and we’ll see how long I

can last at the weekend if selected.

“It’s part and parcel of coming back in after injury.

“You do get reactions from playing and

feel a bit tight but it’s just one of those things.”

Meanwhile, Landon Donovan would not rule out a return to Everton if the MLS players go on strike next week.

Donovan returned to his club the LA Galaxy on Monday after scoring two goals in 13 appearance during a 10-week loan spell at Goodison.

The MLS Players Union said last week that it will strike if an agreement is not reached by

March 25 over a dispute over salary payments and freedom of contract.

And Donovan said: “There’s nothing concrete set up. I think we’ve all been very clear about the possibility that I could go back if something happens. It’s crossing that bridge when we get to it.

“Nobody wants to go on strike if it can be avoided. But we need basic rights if we’re going to continue playing.

“We want rights afforded other players in other countries that we don’t have. We’re very unified on the way we think.”

Everton’s Premier League trip to Aston Villa has been rescheduled for Wednesday, April 14 with kick-off at 7.45pm.