Cahill excited by Everton´s Europa run

Australia international Tim Cahill believes Everton’s mental attitude can play a major role in their Europa League clash against Sporting Lisbon here at Goodison Park on Tuesday.

The Toffees may have lost twice to another Portuguese side in Sporting’s arch-rivals Benfica (5-0 and 2-0) in the group stage but Cahill has had his confidence bolstered by the English club’s run of just two defeats in 11 games in all competitions – including last week’s win over Premier League title-chasers Chelsea.

“I’m very blessed to play for such a great club. I always say you have to run through brick walls,” Cahill told www.uefa.com.

“That’s regardless of knocks and injuries. We have that right mental attitude. Hopefully we can just grow stronger.

“I’m just excited at the moment. When you draw Sporting, you are in with the best teams in the world.

“I just wanted to learn as much as I could about their team, their stadium and the attendance they get.”

Sporting may have won their group in European club football’s second-tier tournament but they have struggled domestically and are currently a distant fourth to Benfica in the Portuguese table.

Everton last reached the knockout rounds of what was then the UEFA Cup in 2008 when they lost on penalties to Italian side Fiorentina.

Cahill added: “Because we haven’t been in too many European competitions, it’s something the fans live for – taking the club to the next level, not only on the pitch but off it.

“Having special away days are a reward for the fans, and they respond by supporting their team and being the 12th man.

“I tell you, you can’t hear anything, and when that ball goes in the net it’s an explosion of fireworks. It shakes through you.”