Tim Cahill has made a shock appearance at Everton's US training camp to increase the belief he will be fit for the start of the new season.Cahill's arrival in Chicago was a major boost for the club, as striker Andrew Johnson was in London preparing to leave Everton for a £12million move to Fulham.

Johnson was not included in the party that flew to the United States on Sunday, and on Monday he was at Craven Cottage completing a medical.

So while Johnson was on his way out of the squad, Cahill was delighting boss David Moyes by his arrival from Australia.

Cahill has been Down Under for the last week during the latest stage of rehabilitation following surgery on his foot.

The Australia international midfielder had not been expected to be fit for the start of the season, but the strides he has made in the last fortnight have led to a more optimistic prognosis - and the opportunity for him to join the squad in the United States in order to step up his training programme.

Everton assistant boss Steve Round explained: "He is running now and everything seems to be going on the right track, touch wood, so we are looking to have him fit ready for the season."

Cahill underwent surgery at the end of the season to solve a recurring a metatarsal problem.

Injury restricted him to 28 appearances last season, netting an impressive 10 goals.

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