Cahill Completes Transfer To Everton

Qantas Socceroo midfielder Tim Cahill completed his transfer to English Premier League club Everton on Friday night (Aust time) after passing a medical at the Merseyside club. After agreeing personal terms on Thursday, the transfer from Division One side Millwall was completed for a reputed fee of £2million ($A5.2million).

Qantas Socceroo midfielder Tim Cahill completed his transfer to English Premier League club Everton on Friday night (Aust time) after passing a medical at the Merseyside club. After agreeing personal terms on Thursday, the transfer from Division One side Millwall was completed for a reputed fee of £2million ($A5.2million).   In a statement on its web site, Everton confirmed Cahill signed a four-year contract and the 24-year-old is optimistic that the club, winners of England-s domestic league in 1985 and 1987, can work its way back to it-s former glory after disappointing campaigns in recent seasons.   "I watched the club last season finish so low in the Premiership table, I know there are a few problems, but to still have the support they have week in, week out, is enough passion to drive any team forward," Cahill said on the club's official website, www.evertonfc.com.   "That's the reason why Everton will always be a strong club and will go on to bigger and better things. That is the reason why I want to be here, because when you are low the fans support you, and when you are high the fans will be there too. That's the main thing."   Confirmation of the signing means that the goal-scoring midfielder played his last game after seven years at the South London club in the 3-0 FA Cup Final loss against Manchester United last May. Reports from England last week said that Cahill was on verge of joining fellow Qantas Socceroo Tony Popovic at Crystal Palace with the transfer breaking down at the last eleventh hour.

Sydney-born Cahill made his debut for the Socceroos in March against South Africa nine years after playing as a 14-year-old for Samoa in an underage tournament. The brief appearance for the Pacific nation saw Cahill ineligible to play for Australia until a recent change in FIFA regulations governing national team eligibility. Cahill was one of the stars of the recent Oceania World Cup qualifying tournament in Adelaide finishing top-scorer with six goals in just three appearances.   Cahill was this week named as having been selected for the Qantas Australian Under 23 team that will compete at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games as one of three over-age players and is expected to join the squad in South Korea next week.