Melbourne City marquee Tim Cahill expecting hot reception from Victory fans in derby

TIM Cahill is expecting an Anfield-like reception at Etihad Stadium on Saturday when he makes his Australian domestic league debut in the fiery Melbourne derby.

Tim Cahill at St Kilda Beach on Wednesday with a sand sculpture of himself.

TIM Cahill is expecting an Anfield-like reception at Etihad Stadium on Saturday when he makes his Australian domestic league debut in the fiery Melbourne derby.

The Socceroos’ record scorer has declared himself fit to start for Melbourne City, despite playing merely 30 minutes in the last two internationals.

The former Everton star was a thorn in Liverpool’s side, scoring five Merseyside derby goals during an illustrious eight-year Premier League career.

Cahill has lit the fuse for an explosive Melbourne derby, declaring he’s not expecting niceties from Melbourne Victory fans.

LISTEN UP:Herald Sun football writers Matt Windley and David Davutovic join the pod to discuss the Socceroos’ World Cup qualifiers and look ahead to the huge Melbourne derby.

“I’m not expecting a nice welcome. I don’t expect them to give me a clap, the same way they didn’t at Liverpool when I played [for Everton] numerous times,’’ Cahill said.

“The same as when I was at Millwall, Shanghai or in New York. That’s football and that’s the beauty of the game, it’s part and parcel.

“But at the same time there would have been some Melbourne Victory supporters there last night supporting the Socceroos which I was part of.’’

Cahill was at St Kilda Beach on Wednesday promoting Saturday’s clash by facing off with a life-size sand sculpture built by Fox Sports, who are televising every game again this season.

Tim Cahill at St Kilda Beach on Wednesday with a sand sculpture of himself.

Having made just one start for City, when he scored in the FFA Cup quarter-final win over Western Sydney last month, Cahill was ready to go from kick-off in the high-octane clash.

“I’m ready to go. I’m like any player, leave me out there for 90 (minutes) I’ll play, but I honestly do feel good and I’m well rested for the derby,’’ he said.

“It depends on team selection and the away we’re going to play. I’ll definitely be available but I won’t know until I get back into camp.

“I’m buzzing. Even coming on [against Japan] was an amazing feeling, playing five minutes in Saudi, I’ve been doing extras in camp anyway, a gym session (yesterday), the physios have been all over me but I woke up fine.’’

Cahill recalled his derby experiences and said they were special occasions for fans.

“Any derby that’s played the biggest thing is the fans. It’s having the keys to the city for your supporters and it’s a big thing having to wake up Sunday morning a winner,” Cahill said.

“It’s the whole week having to live with the result and trust me, if you play with Everton or Millwall, you can’t go out for two weeks literally to put petrol in your car.

“It’s the same feeling I’m going to have going into this game.’’