'Games are running out for Chelsea to qualify for Europe'

Cahill helped Chelsea secure a 2-0 victory over Southampton on Sunday to set up a meeting with rivals Manchester United in the final on May 19.

The FA Cup represents the club's final chance of silverware this season in an otherwise-disappointing year which sees them five points off fourth-placed Tottenham with four games remaining in the hunt for qualification to Europe's premier competition.

When speaking to reporters after the Wembley triumph, Cahill took a realistic approach about Chelsea's chances of overturning the deficit.

"I mean, I am not being negative by any stretch, but the games are running out and the teams in there are very good, so if they do let it up it'll be very, very surprising," the defender admitted.

"(There is) that gap and the point difference, but the obvious thing is all we can do is win our games. We got a decent result at Burnley and we just need to keep winning."

Chelsea face Swansea City, Liverpool, Huddersfield Town and Newcastle United in their final league games.