Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou delighted with continuing good form of veteran Tim Cahill

SOCCEROOS coach ANGE Postecoglou has backed star Tim Cahill to play in a fourth consecutive World Cup.

PORTO ALEGRE, BRAZIL - JUNE 18: Tim Cahill of Australia controls the ball during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group B match between Australia and Netherlands at Estadio Beira-Rio on June 18, 2014 in Porto Alegre, Brazil. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

ANGE Postecoglou has backed star Tim Cahill to play in a fourth consecutive World Cup.

Cahill was due to retire from international football after next month’s Asian Cup, but his form suggests he could still be making an impact by Russia 2018.

The New York Red Bulls striker was among the 23-man squad named on Tuesday to play in the Asian Cup, with the Socceroos opening the tournament against Kuwait at AAMI Park on January 9.

Veterans Mark Schwarzer, Lucas Neill, Brett Holman and Luke Wilkshire have faded into the sunset on Postecoglou’s watch, but the Socceroos coach said the door was open for Cahill, who will be 38 years and six months old when the 2018 World Cup kicks off.

“I’d be delighted if he’s still banging in goals like he is now in four years,’’ Postecoglou said.

“If you go on the evidence of the last 12 months, particularly in international football, Timmy’s still a world-class striker and if he continues in that form that’s fantastic for us.

“Timmy’s a very important part of what we’re doing and what we’re building, not just on the field but off the field too.

“He’s been a fantastic leader for this young group in the last 12 months.

“I don’t think I’ve called an end to anybody’s career. All I do is select squads and then people make decisions beyond that.

“It’s not up to me to tell people when their career should finish. I have a responsibility to select squads and players will make their decisions.’’

Cahill’s Red Bulls contract has another year to run but recent indications are that he may move on, with a return to England floated.

Australia’s record scorer has scored eight of the 12 goals scored since Postecoglou replaced Holger Osieck.

“The pleasing thing for me is that, speaking to Tim, he makes these decisions on the back of him wanting to prolong his international career,’’ Postecoglou said.

“So he’ll make a decision that he thinks his best for him to continue wearing the Australian shirt, which I think is fantastic, the fact he’s willing to put his country first.

“He’s a pretty smart cookie, he’s probably smarter than me when it comes to making the right moves. So I’d back him to make a good move again and hopefully we continue to get the best out of him.’’

Originally published as Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou delighted with continuing good form of veteran Tim Cahill