TIM CAHILL remains a serious injury doubt for Everton’s FA Cup third round match with Carlisle United on Saturday.

The Australian limped out of Monday’s 2-0 win over Burnley at Goodison Park and was replaced by captain Phil Neville, making his first appearance since September.

Thirty-year-old Cahill was substituted as a precaution in David Moyes side’s first win in 18 games, a victory which moves them up to 11th in the Premier League table.

And though the thought of Cahill adding to Everton’s already lengthy injury list, Neville coming on in his place will have softened the blow as the Goodison side set out on the road to Wembley once more.

Last season’s trip to the showpiece final was Everton’s best run in the FA Cup in Moyes’ reign, in a competition that has not always been so kind.

It will be the knowledge of third round defeats at Shrewsbury Town and Oldham Athletic in 2003 and 2008 respectively for Everton which will give Saturday’s visitors hope of an upset.

And to progress to the fourth round, Everton will have to do something they have not achieved since the end of September and start of October – back to back wins.