Struggling Everton won´t rush Cahill

Struggling Everton will not rush influential Australian midfielder Tim Cahill back into action, the English Premier League club's manager David Moyes said.

Cahill hasn't played since March because of a broken foot and has missed the start of the new season as well as Australia's opening World Cup qualifier in Uzbekistan in midweek.

The 28-year-old Cahill has returned to full training, but no date has yet been set for his return to the first team.

“Tim has started training again and we are glad to have him back with us,” said Moyes.

“We have missed him a great deal since he has been out. We have followed instructions from his surgeon and the early signs we have seen from Tim are good.

“He looks really sharp and fit and he's obviously looked after himself during the time he was out. I don't know when he'll be available again but he's coming along nicely just now. The one thing we won't do, though, is take any risks with him.”

Cahill scored 10 league goals last season and played a crucial role in helping Everton to fifth place in the table and a spot in the UEFA Cup.

He has been missed this seaspon with the Merseysiders losing two of their opening three games and sittign fourth from bottom ahead of their Sunday trip to Stoke City.

“What he does for the team is really important,” Moyes told www.evertonfc.com.

“We have missed him since March and though we did okay without him towards the end of last season, of course we needed him.

“I'm sure there will be a mental barrier for him to overcome when he gets back because he has suffered the injury three times.

“But he's had three-and-a-half months since the operation and he is looking better and better. Of course we are going to be careful with him but when he's ready, we will be playing him and we can't wait to get him back.”