Tim Cahill vows to be back for Everton pre-season training

Everton’s goalscoring midfielder Tim Cahill vowed Wednesday to be back for pre-season training after arriving in Sydney to undergo foot surgery.

The Australian star, a key figure in David Moyes’ team, broke his foot last month and has been ruled out for the rest of the season, including the Socceroos’ four World Cup qualifiers in June.

He arrived here with Everton physiotherapist Matthew Connery and is expected to undergo surgery in the next fortnight ahead of a 12-week rehabilitation programme.

“I hope to be back for pre-season ready for the first game of Everton’s next season,” Cahill told Fox Sports.

“I’m just going to work hard… and nothing’s going to stop me coming back.”

The 28-year-old originally underwent surgery for the metatarsal injury last year but has twice broken down since, restricting him to just 49 appearances for his club in the past two seasons.

Underlining his value to Everton is that since his exit the Toffees have been knocked out of the UEFA Cup and have almost certainly lost out to Liverpool in the race for a top-four finish in the English Premiership.

“The aim is to fix the problem for good,” Cahill added.

“I’ve missed a lot of football and I’m determined to do whatever it takes to prevent another recurrence.

“My aim is to be back fitter and stronger for next season, and I have no doubt I’ll achieve that.”