Tim Cahill has been impressed by Everton teenage whizkids Jack Rodwell and Dan Gosling.

Cahill said: "The youngsters have been outstanding, they have stepped into the side with so much maturity.

"The senior players here have been very impressed. And you can be sure we will look after them as their careers progress, that is what this squad is all about."

Birkdale-born Rodwell was labelled "a new Rio Ferdinand" by Everton boss David Moyes after their progress to the last eight and a home quarter-final with the winners of the Middlesbrough v West Ham replay.

Cahill added: "This win has been a massive achievement. The youngsters who came into the side did so well and the performance was at the pinnacle of our achievements this season.

"The youngsters really showed their worth. And we have to all pull together when we have as many injuries as we have now.

"Everything was spot-on, the work rate and commitment. I feel very privileged to be playing alongside these players and for this club, we all know what it is to go out and give everything.

"We will do all we can to help the youngsters, it is the style here to do that. They have been around the squad for a while and the gaffer has bedded them in nicely.

"He is very clever with the way he uses them in matches, and they have both done very well.

"We never get ahead of ourselves at this club, but we understand that beating teams like Liverpool and Aston Villa can really set you up for the future."