Everton boss Moyes backs Cahill to shine again

Everton boss David Moyes has backed Tim Cahill to rediscover his goal-scoring form despite a year-long drought which contributed to the Australian being dropped from the side.

The 32-year-old Cahill was left out of the Everton team which defeated Swansea 1-0 in midweek with Leon Osman, who scored the only goal, supporting Louis Saha in attack.

"I felt we needed to change things against Swansea," said Moyes.

"We've played Tim as a centre-forward in a 4-4-2 in the last few weeks and we have not scored any goals, so we had to try something different and went with Louis up top with Ossie behind him.

"I've got to say that, even though it's only been a day or two, I've been very impressed by his reaction. I think he needed it, and I think he knows that himself. He has responded well, which is what I would expect from someone of his type. He is a great type, a great worker."

Cahill, signed by Moyes in 2004, was angry to be substituted in last weekend's draw with Norwich.

But Moyes insists the Australian can turn that frustration to his advantage.

"His reaction to being taken off against Norwich wasn't great but I've got no problem with that," Moyes told the Liverpool Echo.

"He is hurting at the moment but I think what's happened in recent matches has refocused him a bit and hopefully we will see the benefit of that.

"By his own admission, Tim has not played as well as he should have done and the goals have dried up too, but we will help him try to get back to how we know he can be."

As Everton prepare to face Sunderland away on Boxing Day, Cahill said he is not worried about his lack of potency in front of goal.

"What do you do? Do you stop playing football, do you stop going on the pitch? If I'm not the one scoring then hopefully someone else is to make sure we win," he said.

"It's the best game in the world and something that I love and the fans know that I give everything. I'm blessed playing in one of the biggest stages in the world and if I wasn't consistent and not playing well, it would be harder, but I feel fantastic.

"As long as I'm contributing, I don't always have to be the one that scores."