Everton star Cahill is vying for his third FA Cup final appearance, while third-choice shot stopper Jones will be a surprise starter in goal for Liverpool.

With Spanish stalwart Pepe Reina and Brazilian back-up Alexander Doni both suspended, Jones will make only his fourth appearance for the Reds since joining from Middlesbrough in August 2010.

The unlikely opportunity will cap an emotional season for the 30-year-old, who lost his late son Luca, aged five, to leukaemia in November and then welcomed his newborn son Nico into the world in April.

"It hasn't really sunk in yet," Jones said. "It wasn't something I was expecting.

"It's going to be a big occasion against Everton. I have to make sure I do the right things and it's going to be an extra special day.

"The last few days have been hectic after my girlfriend Dani gave birth to Nico. I've been getting into the routine of having a baby in the house.

"It's been a good week for me. Obviously now I'll be preparing for a big game on Saturday so she might have a bit more work on her hands."

Saturday's meeting will be the 218th in all competitions between the Merseyside rivals, though no tie has ever gone to penalties - something which Jones and Cahill could feature in significantly if the score remains level after extra time.

"It's a crazy world of football, the way things pan out," Cahill said.

"To have two Australians playing in a semi-final, it's going to be massive.

"I've sent Brad a text, but I guess his mind is a whirlwind of emotions at the moment.

"This is a huge match for both our careers."

Cahill has 'unfinished business' in the world's oldest domestic cup competition, having made the final previously with Millwall and Everton, but walking away on both occasions without a winners' medal.

"I've lost in two FA Cup finals, I've been to Wembley twice and tasted defeat but it still counts for a hell of a lot for me," Cahill told the Liverpool Daily Post.

"I carry massive pride in this competition.

"To get to two finals and lose is obviously heartbreaking, but there is pride in the achievement of getting to Wembley too."

Tottenham and Chelsea will contest the other semi-final at Wembley on Sunday, with the final taking place at the same venue on May 5.