Tim Cahill can join Pele in history books at next World Cup in Russia

TIM Cahill dropped a bomb with his post-match comments but the Socceroos’ record scorer has the chance to accomplish a World Cup feat that only Pele and two other greats have achieved.

Tim Cahill in action against Honduras. Picture: Brett Costello

TIM Cahill is set to hold crunch talks with Melbourne City coach Warren Joyce over his future, as he sets his sights on creating World Cup history.

The Socceroos’ record scorer is one goal away from joining Pele and German greats Uwe Seeler and Miroslav Klose as the only players to score in four FIFA World Cups.

Cahill’s unease may stem from uncertainty surrounding Ange Postecoglou’s future and who will lead the Socceroos to Russia 2018.

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But, if Postecoglou exits, it would take a brave coach omit Cahill from the World Cup squad — despite him turning 38 next month — considering his superhuman qualifying feats.

While Cahill didn’t have the same impact as his two-goal heroics against Syria, his 66-minute display — just 12 days after rolling his ankle — was solid, headlined by his extraordinary looping header that struck the crossbar.

Tim Cahill enjoys the Socceroos’ win over Honduras with the fans at ANZ Stadium. Picture: Phil Hillyard

City soccer chiefs are unlikely to let Cahill leave in January without a transfer fee, after paying him a heavily front-ended contract.

Transfer and loan limitations make it impossible for Cahill to switch to another A-League club.

But it’s unlikely to come to that.

Joyce was blindsided by the Cahill’s post-game remarks but hinted that he was part of the plans.

“It’s not something you’re even thinking of (releasing him in January),’’ Joyce said.

“The only thing I would say is that he played in the last game here, he’s the club captain of the leadership group and Australia is the only country that doesn’t have international breaks.

“As far as I’m concerned, we’ve had discussions about his career and what his aims were and I put challenges towards him at the start of the season and those will remain private.

“But I think we’ve fulfilled some of our bargain in helping him achieve what’s he’s achieved.’’

Tim Cahill threw doubt over his future at Melbourne City. Picture: Getty Images

Cahill was candid post-game.

“I would do anything to stay a part of this team,” Cahill said.

“Now I’ve got to make some big decisions. I need to play and I need to stay fit.”

Joyce said City has helped prepare him for the Socceroos playoffs.

“We’ve let him have a longer break then anybody else, he then came back after a series of playoff games and we’ve lost him from being available to train and play with us,’’ he said.

“The medical and sports science staff managed to get him fit enough to play 120 minutes (for Australia). So I think there’s a bit of credit for the (City) staff in preparing him to be able to do that at his age.”