Cahill backs his mental strength

Following a barren 2011, Cahill finally snapped the streak when he scored from close range in his club's 1-1 draw against Blackburn at Goodison Park.

Cahill, 32, said he had always kept his perspective about his lean trot, having played with a number of niggling injuries last year.

"I come from nothing," Cahill said prior to Everton's 1-0 home win over Manchester City.

"I come from Australia and an average upbringing. I have fought very hard to be here today.

"People would turn around and say 'you have not scored for a year'.

"I would turn around and say 'I am a professional footballer living the dream'.

"I am training every day, working hard and I like to think one of my attributes is being mentally strong.

"I played for Millwall, one of the toughest clubs."

Cahill has also had the backing of his manager David Moyes, who last year described the Australian as "the best thing that has happened to me at Everton".

Cahill said he had drawn on lessons from former teammates this season.

"I have played with players like Dennis Wise and Dion Dublin and Duncan Ferguson, players that teach you to be mentally strong," Cahill said.

"One year you might score 10 or 15 goals and you are the king but the biggest thing is when you are not scoring which is what I went through.

"But it did not faze me because I go back to a good family, I have good people here at the club.

"It just means that I stay out on the training pitch a little longer with Everton assistant Steve Round."