Former Birmingham City midfielder Stan Lazaridis has revealed that the West Midlands club were once very interested in his ex-Australia teammate Tim Cahill.
Lazaridis told Everton's official website ahead of the Toffees clash with Birmingham at St Andrews on the weekend that he informed then manager Steve Bruce of Cahill's talents when he was a youngster plying his trade at Millwall.
"Just before he moved to EvertonSteve Bruce asked me about him. I said 'the guy is good, he goes in where it hurts and he scores you goals'," Lazaridis said.
"Brucie said he was costing £2m and it was a bit above the budget he had. How he wished he would have signed him!"
Everton fans would obviously be delighted that Cahill ended up at Goodison Park and his presence there has definitely opened up to the Merseysiders to Australia according to 'Laza'.
"One hundred per cent. In Australia you are a Manchester United or Chelsea supporter. But any Aussie player in the Premier League attracts interest. The games get shown live and, with Timmy being at Everton and scoring so much, a lot of Australians have become Everton supporters," he added.
"Everton is a magnificent club and I think Tim Cahill has enhanced that as well, from an Australian point of view. He has opened Everton up to Australia."
