Cahill hopes for quick return to action after knee injury

Everton's injured midfielder Tim Cahill is hoping to be back in action ahead of schedule. The Australian is recovering from medial knee ligament damage after an accidental clash with team-mate Lee Carsley a fortnight ago and has been ruled out for between six and eight weeks.

However, Cahill considers himself a "quick healer" and feels he could play before the new year.

He made a quick recovery from injury ahead of the World Cup finals in Germany, surprising many by being able to figure in the tournament. He said: "It is not the best news to be out with an injury, but the biggest thing is that it's not a cruciate and that I am not out for six months.

"I'd like to think I am a quick healer. I have been fortunate enough that I have recovered from major injuries quite quickly. I am very optimistic that if I do everything right then I will pick up the rewards."

Cahill will visit a specialist next week to make sure there is no further cartilage damage to his right knee which could lengthen the time he is out, but the 27- year-old is confident that will not be the case.

"Before the World Cup I only had six weeks to get a posterior tear right, I did everything I could and I think if I do the same thing again I could, maybe, be playing at the end of December or the start of January. I am coming in for work and treatment three times a day to give my knee the best possible chance."