Cahill: Toffees Euro tilt ‘everything’

TIM CAHILL insists the UEFA Cup “means everything” to Everton as the club bid to progress in the competition and qualify for the Champions League next season.

The Australian midfielder is key to the Toffees’ continued progress in the UEFA Cup, with Everton in a strong position to reach the last 16 thanks to the 2-0 aggregate lead they hold over Brann Bergen ahead of tonight’s second leg.

But for Cahill, 28, the dream is for Everton to qualify for the group stages of the Champions League.

He said: “The Champions League would be fantastic and we are building a great squad.

“We are playing in Europe and playing massive games. We are aware of where we are and where we could be soon.

“Everyone wants the Champions League and to spend £100million (€132m) on transfers.

“But this club has improved every year. Each season we have done something better and achieved more. We are improving and not going backwards.”

This will be Everton’s eighth European game of the season, and they will need to play 15 if they are to win the UEFA Cup at the City of Manchester Stadium on May 14.

Toffees boss David Moyes’ aim is to achieve that and qualify for the Champions League from fourth place as well. That will mean a 59-game season, and 20 more before the end of the campaign.

Moyes said: “We need European football to develop, and that is what is happening.

“We are virgin-like really at this level. We realise it takes 15 games to win. But if that is what it takes, so be it.”

Everton will have Mikel Arteta back after missing the first leg with a groin problem. Otherwise Moyes has a near fully-fit squad.

Brann boss Mons Ivar Mjelde says his side need a miracle to progress.

He said: “To believe in qualifying is pointless. The goal is to play well and to defend better. If we start well and score early then it could be a different game.”