Everton sweat on Tim Cahill fitness ahead of trip to Man Utd

"Tim received a kick to the inside of his ankle and although it doesn't look too serious we've sent him for a precautionary X-ray," said head physio Mick Rathbone. "We're now awaiting the results."

Everton travel to United tomorrow evening aiming

to extend a nine-match unbeaten run that has helped them cement sixth place in the Premier League table.

But even if Cahill is given the all-clear, Moyes may opt to rest the Australian with Wednesday's crucial FA Cup fourth round replay at home to neighbours Liverpool in mind.

That would put Victor Anichebe on standby to return to the starting line-up, after dropping to the bench in midweek following the return of Marouane Fellaini and Mikel Arteta.

Everton's visit to Old Trafford is the fourth of a five-game series against teams from the top four, with Moyes's men having drawn the previous three.

And goalkeeper Tim Howard believes that recent run of tough games has helped Everton maintain a strong momentum.

"It's going to harden us when all is said and done," said the American. "Once you play in those atmospheres and you gain that experience it can't be taken away from you.

"And to have it in a group like this it hardens you, it makes you mentally strong.

"It's a massive challenge, every game is tough. So if we can come out of this with our heads above the water, then obviously we can start pushing on and looking up."

United have not conceded a league goal in their last 11 games, helping Edwin van der Sar set a Premier League record for most consecutive clean sheets.

And Howard said: "Edwin's done very well ever since he arrived. Again it's not only him, he's fantastic, but if you look at their back four they're rock solid.

"They really put pressure on you to try and score because they don't give you many chances.

"We're looking for a good game. We gave them a good game when they came here so we'll have to match that intensity again."

Two Everton youngsters have left the club on initial one-month loans.

Teenage midfielder John Paul Kissock has joined Accrington Stanley, while goalkeeper John Ruddy has gone to Crewe Alexandra.