TIM CAHILL SIGNS NEW FOUR-YEAR DEAL WITH EVERTON

Cahill had two years remaining on his previous deal with the club

Midfielder Tim Cahill has signed a new four-year deal that is set to keep him at Everton until 2014.

The 30-year-old Australia international had two years remaining on his previous contract but Everton were keen to secure his long-term future.

The World Cup-bound midfielder has scored 56 goals in 209 games since arriving from Millwall in 2004.

“It's a big decision and I couldn't be happier,” Cahill told Australian newspaper the Sydney Morning Herald.

“It's a massive moment in my career. I've pretty much instilled in my life loyalty on and off the park – there's been long-term talks with Everton, and for it to be executed like this I'm so proud. 606: DEBATE

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“I'm very close to the chairman [Bill Kenright], manager [David Moyes], and board. For this to go so smoothly is brilliant.”

Cahill missed his side's final Premier League game of the season because of a minor groin strain after a campaign in which he scored 10 goals in 44 appearances.

The Sydney-born player, described as a “warrior” by team-mate Tim Howard in April, moved to England in 1998 and signed for Millwall.

He made 249 appearances for the London side, scoring 57 goals, before joining the Merseyside club.

Cahill fought a nine-year battle with Fifa in order to play for Australia because he had represented Western Samoa in an under-20 tournament in Fiji in 1994 at the age of 14.

Fifa finally allowed him to play for Australia in 2004 and he has gone on to win 37 caps for the Socceroos, scoring 19 goals.

Meanwhile, Everton have announced that Marouane Fellaini's recovery from ankle surgery is running ahead of schedule and that he could feature in the club's pre-season fixtures.

The 22-year-old Belgium midfielder had an operation after injuring ligaments in the Merseyside derby in February and had been expected to be out until September.

“We wouldn't like to put any definite time frame on it for him because these things can always take little twists and turns,” said assistant manager Steve Round.

“We are hoping he will become available in full training at some stage during pre-season.

“It was a really nasty injury that he got but he is doing exceptionally well. One thing with Felli is he's got great motivation. I am sure it won't be too long before he is bouncing back.”