'Sylvain's Been Immense'

Tim Cahill says Frenchman shouldn't dwell on Wembley error.

Tim Cahill says Sylvain Distin can count on the support of all his teammates following his FA Cup semi-final mistake on Saturday.

Centre back Distin gave the ball away to Luis Suarez for Liverpool's equaliser in the 2-1 defeat at Wembley and later apologised to supporters for his error.

Cahill, however, jumped straight to the defence of the Frenchman - a player he feels has been Everton's rock all campaign long.

"Sylvain's been our player of the season - that's the only way I can put it," said the Australian. "One mistake doesn't sum up his season.

"He's been immense and, as a team, we possibly should've still been out there playing extra-time anyway.

"We shouldn't have conceded the second goal, giving the free-kick away and defending the way we did.

"As for Sylvain, he's a top player and it happens in football. We've all been there at one stage in our career.

"As a team, we'll look at it, but we win together and lose together. That's the only way I can sum it up."

Andy Carroll headed Liverpool's winner four minutes from time and Cahill admitted the outcome was a bitter pill to swallow.

He said: "This is sad because I've had two finals before in the FA Cup and to now not get to a final, it's heartbreaking.

"But, as much as it is for me, I really feel for the fans because it was there - you could feel it and touch it. Even as players we could feel it. We just didn't do it in the end."

Meanwhile, Everton have explained the Wembley absence of Royston Drenthe.

A Club spokeman said: "Royston Drenthe has been the subject of a disciplinary matter. This has been dealt with internally and the Club will be making no further comment."