Cahill may make start of season

Cahill first sustained the injury against Sheffield in March 2007

Everton have been handed a major boost with the news midfielder Tim Cahill may be fit for the start of the season.

The 28-year-old has joined the club's US training camp in Chicago to step up his rehabilitation as he attempts to gain full fitness after a foot injury.

Toffees assistant boss Steve Round said: "He is running and everything seems on the right track, so we are looking to have him fit for 16 August."

Everton begin the new season at home to Blackburn after their tour in the US.

The Australian managed just 28 games for the Goodison Park side last season.

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But his importance to the team is such that he contributed 10 goals from midfield in that time.

Cahill joined Everton for £1.5m from Millwall in July 2004.