29 Mar 2012 07:00
TIM CAHILL has hailed Everton FC’s return to Wembley as proof David Moyes has no equal when it comes to making money count in the transfer market.
Tim Cahill celebrates scoring for Everton FCTIM CAHILL has hailed Everton FC’s return to Wembley as proof David Moyes has no equal when it comes to making money count in the transfer market.
The Goodison outfit will make their third appearance at the national stadium in as many years when they take on Liverpool in an all-Merseyside FA Cup semi-final on Saturday, April 14.
Everton booked their passage with an impressive 2-0 victory at Sunderland in their FA Cup quarter-final replay.
It continued their fine run of form since the turn of the year that has also seen them move away from the relegation zone to within two points of seventh-placed Liverpool in the Premier League table.
The Anfield strikeforce of Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez cost more than the entire Everton starting line-up at the Stadium of Light.
And Cahill believes Moyes, working under tight financial restraints, is unsurpassed in getting value for money from his signings.
“Liverpool are a great team and have spent a lot of money and have a good manager,” said the Australian.
“Everyone can put figures on the table, but our manager has got the best record in the world when it comes to spending money and what he does for the club. As players, we have to make sure that money is well spent.
“For Liverpool, who knows who the pressure is on? For us, we just concentrate on ourselves and see what happens.”
Cahill believes the win over Sunderland – which he hailed as one of the best of his eight-year Everton FC career – proves the club are back on the ascent after banishing the gloom of earlier this season.
“We are trying to take ourselves to the next level, and I think on Tuesday we managed to do that,” said the 32-year-old.
“I have enjoyed some great experiences with this club and this is up there with the best, because of what it means to the fans, the players and the club and where we want to take it.
“In my career I will be looking back to nights like this, because this changes the season. It changes everything.
“At the start of the season, the reports were indifferent and there were a lot of people down about the football club.
“But we’ve had such a turnaround and, as I’ve said time and time again, the players love Everton and that’s what has made a difference.
“We have to keep our feet firmly on the floor and don’t get carried away.”
Central to Everton’s revival has been the form of John Heitinga at centre-back, the Dutchman keeping fit-again Phil Jagielka on the sidelines.
And Goodison officials are ready to approach Heitinga for talks over a new contract, with his present deal having less than 18 months left to run.
Meanwhile, Leighton Baines acknowledged the significance of Everton securing a first Merseyside derby at Wembley since 1989.
“It’s massive for the city and being a local lad, I know what it means to everyone,” said the left-back.
“It’s a fantastic occasion. The fact that it’s against Liverpool makes it all the more special, but to get to a semi-final for us is great.”
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