TIM CAHILL last night saluted the creative skills of the player doing most to drive his goalscoring exploits with Everton – Leighton Baines.

Australian international Cahill has been the most consistent of Everton’s marksmen since arriving at Goodison from MillwallŠin 2004, notching 61 goals in 218 appearances.

But in more recent times the 30-year-old from Sydney has been profiting most often from the service provided by left back Baines.

Remarkably, nine of Cahill’s last 15 Everton goals were the result of an assist from the 25-year-old England international from Kirkby.

Cahill said: “Bainsey is an exceptional player.

“I think I am lucky because I have got a relationship with him where we were together a lot on the pitch to try and make things happen.

“But I think I’m lucky as well because he’s got that special left foot which can create chances on a plate – hopefully for myself to finish.

“He’s a great player and someone who is not only effective in defence but going forward as well. He does give us that different dimension. I’m happy to have someone like that on my side because I rely on him a hell of a lot.”