Cahill, 31, scored a goal and created another in Monday's 2-1 win at Manchester City and the Aussie had plenty to say about the big-spending Mancunians.

"Man City are a big team now with where they are in the table and in the world of football," Cahill told The Sun.

"But what we have here at Everton is a close group and a good base of lads who really love the club. And with the youngsters coming through, I wouldn't want it any other way.

"What has happened there is a dream come true for City, but it is also hard. They need to put all those ingredients together in a way which will give them a team with longevity.

"We have good players here and we get excited about these big games. They have got some big names but we can compete with anyone."

And Cahill has received plenty of praise in the wake of his performance against the Sky Blues.

Everton boss David Moyes said: "Tim's energy levels looked back to the old days.

"There had been signs he had maybe dipped down a little bit but he showed great energy, and we needed him to.

"He did a great job when we were at 10 men and even when we had 11. He epitomised what we are about. He was the one who kept taking the fight to Manchester City."