"I'm taking it steady and leaving nothing to chance," said Cahill on the club's official website.

"But I'm getting closer every day. When I get the go ahead, I guarantee I'll be back in great shape and hopefully in a position to make an immediate impact for both Everton and Australia.

"The longer you are out, the more you appreciate what it means to play at the top level and there's no doubt in my mind I'll be back bigger and better than ever. The operation went well but the rehabilitation has taken a little longer than I'd have liked.

"I'd planned to be back for the start of the Premier League season but it wasn't to be. There's no way I'll be rushing back before I'm ready - that would be no good for myself, Everton or Australia."

Cahill admits watching his team-mates can be difficult at times.

He added; "It's been hard missing out on a lot of football but I am thankful for what I've already achieved in my career and I have a very supportive family and a great medical team behind me.

"I don't particularly enjoy watching football and when you're injured you don't really feel a part of things. But I've always been a positive person.

"When I was a youngster in Australia people didn't really rate me but I never took 'no' for an answer and I've always liked to prove people wrong."