Everton midfielder Tim Cahill believes the team have the mindset to make an impact in the Europa League. A good run of form, including a victory over Chelsea only last week, has raised the spirits at Goodison Park.

Cahill cannot wait to get started on Tuesday night when they entertain Sporting Lisbon in the first leg of the round of 32.

Cahill told www.uefa.com: "I'm very blessed to play for such a great club. I always say you have to run through brick walls.

"That's regardless of knocks and injuries. We have that right mental attitude. Hopefully we can just grow stronger.

"I'm just excited at the moment. When you draw Sporting, you are in with the best teams in the world.

"I just wanted to learn as much as I could about their team, their stadium and the attendance they get."

Cahill added: "Because we haven't been in too many European competitions, it's something the fans live for - taking the club to the next level, not only on the pitch but off it.

"Having special away days are a reward for the fans, and they respond by supporting their team and being the 12th man.

"I tell you, you can't hear anything, and when that ball goes in the net it's an explosion of fireworks. It shakes through you."