A goalscoring midfielder, Cahill had to wait to make his debut for the Socceroos after having played for Western Samoa at junior level. His senior international bow finally came in March 2004 in a 1-0 friendly win over South Africa and he has quickly proved himself to be an impressive performer, contributing regularly from midfield, especially thanks to his aerial prowess. Made his name at first division Millwall, before joining Everton after helping the Lions to the FA Cup final in 2004. Quickly adjusted to life in the Premiership and has scored 17 goals in 65 league games for the Toffees. His place in Germany was under severe doubt due to a knee injury that ended his domestic season in mid-April.