Everton boss David Moyes has said that he has been impressed by Tim Cahill's response since the player was dropped against Swansea City.
Cahill, who made a nine-minute substitute appearance against the Swans in midweek, hasn't scored a goal for the Toffees in over 12 months.
However, Moyes believes that his out-of-form midfielder may have benefited from being benched.
"By his own admission, Tim has not played as well as he should have done and the goals have dried up," he said.
"He is hurting. But I've been impressed by his reaction. I think he needed what has happened and knows that himself."
Everton are currently six points clear of the drop zone in 11th place in the Premier League.