Cahill will step out at Wembley for the FA Cup final against Chelsea with arguably the highest accolade possible at Goodison Park ringing in his ears.

To be compared with the World Cup winner and one of Everton's finest-ever players is praise indeed.

Cahill has been used as an emergency striker for much of the season and could well find himself in that role again as boss David Moyes considers the best way to unsettle Chelsea's defence at Wembley.

Kenwright believes Cahill has been a major influence on Everton's success this season, which also included a fifth-placed finish in the Barclays Premier League.

He said: "The first game David and me went to see to look at a player, was Millwall's play-off game with Birmingham. We actually went to watch a centre-back.

"But after half an hour, David looked at me and said had I noticed that black-haired lad going from box to box like no one we had ever seen before.

"We then watched Tim Cahill for the next hour. He was just mesmeric.

"I recall him coming into my office once to just tell me how much he wanted to play for Everton.

"That was a great thrill for me. He is the prince of footballers, he is the new Alan Ball.

"He has the true spirit of Everton, the one who epitomises the never-say-die attitude of the whole squad."

Cahill will find himself up against a side guided by Blues boss Guus Hiddink, who he played under when the Dutchman was manager of Australia.

"The calibre and stature of the man speaks for itself, I'm very thankful for what he did for us in the World Cup," said Cahill.

"He is honest and stamps his authority. None of his players get a chance to overpower him and you never know if you are going to be in the team or not."

Moyes also has high praise for his Wembley rival, saying: "Hiddink has done a terrific job wherever he's been. And now he has come in and done a great job at Chelsea in a short time.

"But let's be fair, Chelsea's players are good players and I think a lot of people could have taken on the Chelsea job and done a good job."