RETURNING skipper Phil Neville has hailed Tim Cahill as the man who epitomises Everton’s fighting spirit after the Australian’s 50th strike for the club saw off the challenge of plucky Carlisle United in the FA Cup.

Back from injury and starting his first game since September in the 3-1 third round victory over the Cumbrians at Goodison Park on Saturday, Neville believes Cahill, the man who he has regained the captain’s armband from, has not been found wanting when leading the side during a difficult period throughout his own absence.

After James Vaughan’s early opener had been cancelled out by Kevan Hurst, Everton had struggled to break down the stubborn rearguard of their League One opponents, before Cahill struck a crucial second goal eight minutes from time – to become the first midfielder at the club to reach his half-century since Trevor Steven – before a last-gasp penalty by Leighton Baines sealed the victory.

While the form of both the side and Cahill has not been the greatest so far this season by the former Millwall player’s own admission, Neville believes the Australian’s never-say-day attitude has never been lacking.

He said: “I was so pleased he scored because I’ve watched so many games while I've been out and Tim’s taken the mantle and the pressure for the whole team.

“As captain he’s led from the front when we were not doing too well, he’s always wanted the ball, never missed a training session, led from the front and carried the fight to teams on his own a lot of the time.

“It’s about time now that others coming back from injury need to help. He needs someone to take a bit of pressure off him and to take responsibility.

“Out of the bad run we had, Tim was the one who showed the spirit and took the fight to whoever we were up against.”