DAVID MOYES believes Tim Cahill has proven such a success as a makeshift striker that he is considering keeping the Australian up front for the remainder of the season.

Moyes has been forced to improvise with his attacking line-up in recent months, with both Yakubu and James Vaughan long-term absentees and ongoing concerns over Louis Saha’s fitness.

Cahill has prospered since being asked to fill the breach, initially alongside Marouane Fellaini and, as in the derby double header, Victor Anichebe.

The Australian netted in the 1-1 Premier League draw at Liverpool 10 days ago and underlined his threat at set-pieces with an assist for Joleon Lescott’s goal in the FA Cup draw at Anfield on Sunday.

Cahill also scored winners at Manchester City and Middlesbrough last month and will again be asked to lead the line when Arsenal visit Goodison this evening.

And the 29-year-old’s effectiveness in an unaccustomed role means Moyes would have no qualms keeping Cahill in the firing line for the rest of the campaign.

“He has been so good as a centre forward that when our forwards come back I have a decision to make,” said the Goodison manager. “But it might be that I just decide to play Tim Cahill as a centre-forward from now on. I might see him that way.

“I just know that I have not got a problem if I need to play Tim up front and if I want to play two up front it is not going to a problem because he has done so well.

“He gives us a focal point that we have required. Tim looks as if he is enjoying his football and he is relishing his games at the moment.

“I wouldn’t say he has freedom up front, but he certainly enjoying being able to be up there and go around. He is fantastic in the air, but good centre-forwards come alive in the penalty box and score goals and Tim has all those attributes.