Cahill: Neill made the right choice in joining Everton

Tim Cahill believes that Australian team-mate Lucas Neill made the right decision in joining Everton.

Neill left West Ham United at the end of last season, but took until September to make up his mind on where he wanted to play his football next, after being linked with moves all across Europe.

“Of course he did,” Cahill said. “What people seem to forget is that he’s a very, very good professional and you can’t help the situation.

“He’s a free and so many clubs wanted him and in the end he has to make the right decision for him and his family.

“He’s got two twins and a beautiful family and he made the right decision to stay in England and play in the Premier League, with a World Cup coming up.

“He’s the leader of Australia and I’m very, very proud as an Australian to be in the same team as him, not only domestically but internationally. He definitely made the right decision.”

He added, “I knew for a while that Everton wanted him and Lucas did too. He did very well the way he coped with the media.

“Lucas spent a while contemplating his future and I think a club like Everton has a great history.

“Until you come and see the facilities and what the club brings, people open their eyes and understand that we finished in the top 6 over the last five years quite a lot of the time, we’ve been in the FA Cup Final and in Europe a couple of times. We’re really striving to achieve something special.

“Lucas is a close friend and obviously when asked a question from the gaffer, I said he’d definitely be one of the fittest in the team, a great leader and someone that I can vouch for.

“We sit next to each other in the change room and then to see him again now and be in camp with him all the time, we have a giggle every time we look at each other.”