Cahill speaks of his pride for son Shae after signing for Everton’s academy

Tim Cahill has spoken with immense pride about his son, Shae, having signed for Everton’s academy earlier this month.

It was announced a couple of weeks ago that the former Everton icon’s son would link up with Everton’s academy squads, just weeks after it was confirmed that Cahill himself had returned to Everton to work on securing his coaching badges and UEFA A-licence.

Cahill has been making the step into management following his retirement in March, and he has since worked with a number of youth squads at Finch Farm.

The 39-year old has now spoken about the pride he feels for his 14-year old son, who has made the first step into his professional football journey at the club his father is still so revered at.

Talking to Sky Sports, Cahill explained what Shae will be learning during his time on Merseyside, saying:

It’s a very proud moment for me as a father. The biggest thing for me retiring was for my children first of all, and my son Shae is fortunate enough to be part of the Everton Academy.

For me as a father, it’s more about me helping him follow his dreams; he’ll understand the pitfalls, and the dedication and sacrifice he needs to put in, but low and behold it’s a great platform for him as a young man.

The big thing for me is simplifying it for them, helping them understand the concept of being a footballer, the dedication involved and your mindset. What you put in is what you get back. Even if you don’t see the rewards, which you won’t as a youngster, it’s all about the growth and maturation.

But Shae’s application to training, and not only training but to school, will set him apart. For me, I focused on the basics, and when you have so many eyes looking at you, if you do the basics well, after that we’ll see where it takes him.

But there’s no pressure from me as a father, but when you choose to be a footballer, that’s a responsibility you choose, and if you don’t, there are levels you can play at because England is such an amazing place to play football.

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One can only hope that Shae Cahill goes on to be even a shadow of his father, because Everton still haven’t ever found someone who cares as much about the club as Tim Cahill did.

My only concern, and I’m probably wrong to think this way but of course I’m not 100 per cent sure, is that I hope Shae Cahill doesn’t have a contract due to nepotism. He wouldn’t be the first player to get a contract because of the exploits of his father, and he likely won’t be the last.

Hopefully Everton have seen real potential in Shae, and that’s why they’ve signed him up. Tim was my favourite player of all time, and I’d love the Hollywood-style romance of Shae following in his father’s footsteps and leading his former club to glory.