The Australian midfielder praised his team-mates after scoring the winner in the 2-1 victory against Bate Borisov in the Europa League last night.

Everton managed to secure maximum points despite going into the match without 10 first-team players and going a goal behind.

In driving rain in Minsk, Marouane Fellaini equalised in the second half and Cahill completed the comeback with a fine finish.

Cahill said: "You cannot buy what we've got here. We keep doing it year after year.

"We've had thin squads but we work together and come through adversity. We play really hard for this club and it is brilliant to be part of it.

"When injuries come up we just deal with it. Results like this are the pinnacle of what we do.

"This is the best squad I've ever played in and the most competitive as everyone is battling for places.

"So while we had a thin squad against Bate we still put out a decent team and one that was capable of getting a good result."

The absence of Joseph Yobo, who suffered a thigh strain on the eve of the game, saw Tony Hibbert switch from right-back to central defence alongside Sylvain Distin.

Hibbert slotted in superbly and Cahill said: "He is someone a lot of us look up to. He is underrated but is one of the most important players in the club.

"We were solid with him and Sylvain at the back. He was exceptional."

Everton are now in top spot in the group after AEK Athens defeated Benfica.

And Cahill added: "We are nowhere near being qualified yet but you can't ask for anymore with two wins from two games.

"Playing in Europe is massive for everyone. Personally I thrive in these games. Every year you give yourself a goal and a lot of players are thankful to be at this club.

"Though it might not have seemed the case, the start of the season was good for us. We knew we could only get better, so did the manager, and we are happy."

Now unbeaten in five matches, Everton return to domestic action on Sunday when they face Stoke.

In-form striker Louis Saha looks likely to return to the team after sitting out the European match through suspension.

The Frenchman served a ban after being sent off in the home victory over AEK Athens.

John Heitinga and Lucas Neill are both available again after being ineligible for the game in Belarus.