TIM CAHILL believes Everton prospect Ross Barkley is the most talented young player he has ever seen.

The Aussie icon thinks 17-year-old Barkley has the potential to become one of Everton’s biggest assets, and predicts his maturity will quickly help him break into David Moyes’ first team.

Cahill, 31, predicts Barkley will bounce back from the triple-leg break he suffered on England U19 duty in October last year and is thrilled at the prospect of playing alongside him.

He said: “Ross Barkley is a special talent. He has been unlucky this season with his injury but he is an immense player with a great attitude to football.

“He is so mature for his age and I think he is going to be a massive asset to Everton in years to come.

“I have played with some great players in my career but I do not think I have ever seen a talent like Ross.”

Barkley is set to begin a full pre-season schedule with the Everton squad next month, and his potential has already been underlined by an excited Moyes.

And in an interview with fans website GrandOld Team.com, Cahill also praised Moyes for his devotion to the Blues as he enters his tenth season in charge at Goodison Park.

“Moyesy has been very loyal to the club and I think I have learned a lot from him over the years,” he said.

“He is always there and is a constant source of motivation for the lads – especially when things are not going so well.

“He is always honest with the players and I think this has been important in recent seasons.

“We have a great group of players at the club and I think this is largely down to the work of the boss – he has made some great signings and we all have a great understanding of each other.”

Cahill, who refused to rule out his chances of scoring 100 Premier League goals after notching his 50th last season against Blackpool, revealed he wants to become a manager after hanging up his boots permanently.

He said: “I definitely want to remain involved in football – it has been my life for so long now and I don’t know what I would do without being involved in some shape or form! Management would definitely be something I would consider when I decide to call it a day as a pro.

“I have learned so much since I began playing in England and I would love the opportunity to pass some of this information on to other players .”

The Socceroo would like to see one thing before he retires though – team-mate Tony Hibbert scoring for the Blues.

The right-back is yet to score in a competitive match during his nine-year Everton career, and Cahill would let Hibbert to take a late penalty in a game the Blues were comfortably winning.

“It would be the best thing ever,” he said.

“He is such a loyal servant to the club and one of the nicest men in the game.”