Calls for Socceroos to use Tim Cahill in crucial clash with Denmark grow louder in Russia

A LOSS in Australia’s game with Denmark would end our World Cup campaign. It’s why calls for the greatest ever Socceroo to be let off the leash are growing louder, writes PHIL ROTHFIELD.

Australia's forward Tim Cahill (2nd-R) cheers for his teammates during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group C football match between France and Australia at the Kazan Arena in Kazan on June 16, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - NO MOBILE PUSH ALERTS/DOWNLOADS

THE ‘bring on Tim Cahill’ calls are growing louder here in Russia for Australia’s greatest Socceroo to be thrown in to tomorrow’s desperation World Cup clash with Denmark.

Highly respected Fox Sports expert Andy Harper has called on coach Bert van Marwijk to use the goalscoring maestro “to scare the life out of Denmark” in a game the Socceroos have to at least draw to stay alive in this tournament.

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Tim Cahill warms up on the sideline before the France game. Will he play against Denmark? Picture: Toby Zerna

Harper has been supported by the Socceroos’ head of sports science Craig Duncan who told The Daily Telegraph: “Age is often overrated. There’s one thing with Tim — you always know he’ll be ready on game day.”

The 38-year-old Cahill would join legends Pele, Miroslav Klose, Uwe Seeler and Cristiano Ronaldo as the only players to score at four World Cups if he can find the back of the net against Denmark on Thursday.

“Bring him on for 20 minutes of high impact,” Harper said, “Give him enough time to scare the life out of them which he’ll do.

“We’ve got to make the play and find a route to goal.

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“It would spur on his team mates and lift those around him the same way as he has always done.

“He wouldn’t be here if he wasn’t up to physically.

“Give him the chance to become only the fourth player in history on world’s biggest stage to match the extraordinary achievement of three legends.”

Daniel Arzani (R) helps teammate Tim Cahill off the turf. The pair are duelling for attacking minutes off the bench. Picture: Toby Zerna

Duncan rates Cahill the most professional athlete he has worked with.

“It’s been one of the highlights of my career to work with Tim,” Duncan said.

“He’s fantastic, just a really special athlete. The commitment he has to get to the levels to allow him to play are inspiring. He’s the most positive athlete I’ve worked with.

“With age it’s how you manage the older players.”

Cahill told The Daily Telegraph he was prepared for a call-up at anytime.

“I’m fit and feeling good,” he said, “if I get an opportunity I’ll be ready. “

The final make-up of the Socceroos will be revealed on game day.