Tim Cahill is confident Everton can turn the corner and bounce back to form. The Toffees, who promised so much this campaign after a brilliant 2008/09 season, have stuttered through the first few months of this term and find themselves sitting 16th on the table, just three points above the relegation zone.

Despite a 2-0 home loss to Liverpool in the Merseyside derby on Sunday, Cahill believes that Everton are close to finding some consistent form but knows it will take a lot of hard work.

"I think that's the best we've played in a while," Cahill said.

"Our passing was good, we made lots of space with our movement and had two disallowed goals.

"We were strong from corners too. It's hard to take but at this stage it's not going to get any easier.

"We're in a lot of trouble - the only way we can get out of it is by playing and working our way out of it. We're too good to be in this position."

The Australian international understands the team will not get any favours and puts a potential revival down to mental strength and a positive attitude.

"It's just one of those things and nothing's going to fix it except our mental attitude as individuals and a team," he added.

"I'm a lot more positive though - we played better football and had a much better attitude.

"We couldn't hit a barn door at the minute but I'm much happier with our approach.

"It's the overall attitude and mental toughness that counts."