Tim Cahill, the Everton midfielder, says he hopes his latest operation will finally solve his long-term fitness problems.

The injury-hit Australia international was ruled out for the season in March after suffering a recurrence of a metatarsal injury against West Ham United. However, he will now undergo an operation in Australia in the next two weeks, after seeing a top specialist and he hopes he can finally put to an end, any lingering doubts about his fitness.

"I hope to be back for pre-season, ready for Everton's first game of the campaign," he said. "It is going to be hard work but nothing is going to stop me coming back. The aim is to fix the problem for good. I've missed a lot of football and I'm determined to do whatever it takes to prevent another recurrence. My aim is to be back fitter and stronger for next season, and I have no doubt I'll achieve that.

"I've missed a lot of football in recent times and it's frustrating. But I know I'll get back to where I want to be."

Mick Rathbone, Everton's physio, added: "We need to get the operation done in April really if he is to have a chance of being back in time for next season. After the procedure there will be quite a lot of down time for him, where he will be able to relax with his family. It will probably be his first summer out of competition for around three or four years, so you always try and draw the positives."