World number two Novak Djokovic gave the visitors the advantage with a 7-6 (7-3), 6-4, 6-1 over Ivan Ljubicic who came out of Davis Cup retirement as cover for the injured Ivo Karlovic.
But the Everton boss revived his interest in Arsenal's 2005 FA Cup winner with defensive cover looking thin at Goodison Park following Neill's surprise exit and Tony Hibbert facing at least a month out with a hernia injury.
"After a couple of days learning the ropes and staying out of trouble, I was offered the chance to cover one of the World Cup soccer games from Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, " Dinan recalls.
With the African Cup of Nations scheduled for early in 2010 Spurs decided that cover was needed for left-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto who was to represent Cameroon.
Coach Dave Whistle has brought in Cavallin as temporary cover and he will join Colin Ryder on the bench for the Continental Cup in just over a week's time at the Odyssey Arena.