Antonis first hit fame when he was just 10 years old and his freestyling skills attracted the cameras of Channel Seven.

Seven years later he signed a three year deal with Sydney FC and made a handful of first team appearances for the club after shining in the National Youth League.

Now Cahill has sung the youngster's praises in a interview with an Everton Supporters club website, www.grandoldteam.com.

"Terry Antonis is a very good prospect for the future," he said. "For those of you who do not know much about him, he is a 17 year old attacking midfield player who plays for Sydney FC.

"He is an exciting young player and I am sure that he will have an extremely succesful career at the highest level of the game.

"He grabbed some headlines when he was just 10 years old, winning a football competition on Channel 7.

"Since then, he has grown in confidence and grown as a player and I cannot speak highly enough of this young lad."

Cahill is understood to be mentoring the youngster as he develops through his sponsorship deal with adidas and the pair exchanged shirts at the end of last year's friendly between Everton and Sydney.

But Cahill also spoke out in praise of his Everton boss, David Moyes, who has been linked with a possible move to Aston Villa.

Cahill pledged his allegiance firmly with the Scots coach, sparking speculation he will join him at any club he should move to.

"I think I have learned a lot from him over the years," he said. "He is always there and is a constant source of motivation for the lads – especially when things are not going so well.

"He is always honest with the players and I think this has been important for us, as a team, in recent seasons.

"We have a great group of players at the club and I think this is largely down to the work of the boss – he has made some great signings and we all have a great understanding of each other which helps massively when you are trying to win matches."

Cahill also revealed he has managerial ambitions of his own when the time comes to hang up his boots.

He added: "I definitely want to remain involved in football – it has been my life for so long now and I don’t know what I would do without being involved in some shape or form!

"Management would definitely be something I would consider when I decide to call it a day as a pro.

"I have learned so much since I began playing in England and I would love the opportunity to pass some of this information on to other players and hopefully be a successful Manager and win some trophies!"