The 30-year-old Australian midfielder, who scored in Wednesday's 2-0 win over Sunderland to take his season tally to five goals in all competitions, will be a key figure for Australia at this year's World Cup.

But Cahill has been the subject of some debate with Everton boss David Moyes regularly claiming his Australia commitments, which take him all over the globe, were burning him out.

Nevertheless, Cahill insists he simply wants to keep playing in the lead-up to the World Cup.

"You hear about when Rooney talks about not resting himself with the World Cup in the back off his mind, it's a refreshing thing to hear," Cahill told the Liverpool Echo.

"I feel the same way and I need that momentum to keep playing. I haven't missed many games this season. My aim is to play as many as I can."

Cahill's goals tally at Everton this season has been below his usual return, leading some to believe he's down on form, but he claims he's on the improve. 

He added: "I think we turned a corner a long time ago, my own form and everything.

"Sometimes when you're up against it you just have to work hard - regardless of whether it goes unrecognised because of the way the team are playing and the results.

"Sometimes when you're working hard and other people are scoring you've just got to do things that will help the team. That's one of the best things about this football team - we work for each other."

While Cahill scored the opener on Wednesday, he also provided the assist for the second with a flick-on for Landon Donovan.

The assist was reminiscent of something which could be demanded of him by Australia boss Pim Verbeek, with the midfielder using his trademark leap to good effect.

Cahill added about the assist: "It's hard. Big centre halves are looking to get the better of you all the time in games, and to beat these big guys in the air and play the other guys in is what I aim for."

Moyes also commented on Cahill's recent upturn in form.

"I think Tim has come on. I think his game has improved in the last month, and he just needs a couple of goals to go with it," Moyes said. "His goal tonight was the first and hopefully he's got more of them to come."