Cahill on the brink of Toffees return for Larissa showdown

EVERTON manager David Moyes could recall Tim Cahill to the squad for the UEFA Cup match against Greek side Larissa at Goodison Park tonight.

The Australian midfielder is back in training after suffering a broken metatarsal in the friendly against Werder Bremen in July.

Goalkeeper Tim Howard is hoping the right result tonight will kick start the Blues’ season.

Everton take a break from Premier League action tonight after a mixed start to the Premier League campaign.

A 2-1 defeat against Liverpool last weekend left the Blues in 11th place in the league and Howard concedes it has not been the easiest starts to the 2007/08 campaign.

‘‘It’s been a middle of the road kind of start,’’ conceded Howard.

‘‘We can’t get too optimistic about what we have done but we can’t get too down in the dumps either.’’

However he insists Everton will not be underestimating the challenge of Larissa. A victory is crucial for David Moyes’ side with ties against Zenit St Petersburg, AZ Alkmaar and Nurnberg to follow in the coming months.

‘‘When you get to the group stages, there are a lot of really good sides so we won’t underestimate anyone,’’ he said.

Midfielder Phil Jagielka admits the Blues have a good opportunity to continue where they left off in the 3-2 win against Metalist Kharkiv.

He said: ‘‘The games come thick and fast now, especially this month. The lads worked extra hard last season to get into Europe and we worked hard to stay in Europe this season.

‘‘We’ll be trying to continue that.’’

Phil Neville and Tony Hibbert are both available despite being sent off in the derby defeat by Liverpool at the weekend.

Andrew Johnson (ankle), Thomas Gravesen (knee) and James Vaughan (shoulder) remain sidelined through injury.

Larissa lost to AEK Athens at the weekend and have won just one game from five in the Greek league this season.