Tim Cahill is supremely confident that striker Jermaine Beckford can make the grade at Premier League level despite a lean start.

The 26-year old joined the Toffees from Leeds United during the off-season but has failed to bring his Elland Road form to Goodison Park.

Beckford scored 25 league goals in 38 games for the Whites last term but has failed to hit the target in the top flight, although he has scored once for his new club in the Carling Cup.

But Cahill, who is in top form himself, has given confidence to Beckford by saying he has the ability to make it at the top level.

"There's no shadow of a doubt about Beckford's ability. He's scored the goals and you can see in training what he can produce and what a great player he is," Cahill said.

"It's only a matter of time. You need consistent game time and that's all it is. He's got everything and I think we're very lucky to have a player of his calibre because his speed and his finishing is pretty impressive."