Tim Cahill makes savvy move to Millwall to keep hopes of fourth World Cup with Socceroos alive

NOT for the first time Tim Cahill had been written off but the Socceroos legend has shot back into World Cup calculations with a smart move to Millwall, writes DAVID DAVUTOVIC.

Tim Cahill in action for Millwall in 2004.

TWO months after kicking his last ball in anger, Tim Cahill has shot back into 2018 World Cup calculations with a savvy Millwall homecoming.

Not for the first time in his career, Cahill has been written off. To be fair to the critics, logic adds weight to their argument.

Cahill turned 38 in December, he played just 94 A-League minutes for Melbourne this season and the last of his 263 Socceroos minutes came on November 15.

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Uncontracted for eight weeks after a mutual termination with City, there were suggestions that his career was going to fade into the sunset a la fellow Socceroos great Lucas Neill who faced a similar predicament four years ago.

But Cahill’s unwavering self-belief, impeccable physical condition and hitherto shrewd career choices meant he was always in control despite perceptions to the contrary.

Cahill would not have paid out in excess of $500,000 to leave City – he was paid a heavily front-ended contract due to the A-League guest marquee rule that came and went after a season – and relinquish plum post-career opportunities with City Football Group if there was little interest.

Tim Cahill is back where it all began.

Whether the Millwall move was in the pipeline back then or not is irrelevant.

The Championship club have an attacking crisis while precariously placed just nine points above the relegation zone and are managed by Neil Harris, Cahill’s Lions teammate between 1998-2004.

Cahill has not been signed to make up the numbers, the club legend has returned to The Den to play.

There’s a minimum 19 games ahead, including an FA Cup fourth-round tie at Rochdale on Wednesday week (February 7) – ample opportunities for new Socceroos boss Bert van Marwijk to catch a glimpse.

“At 38, he (Cahill) is in terrific shape. To start with, we are thinking about impact - someone to come off of the bench and give us that little lift, someone to lift the crowd and someone to pass on that knowledge when in front or behind,” Harris said.

#TheReturn pic.twitter.com/ZjZ33vkCs7

— Millwall FC (@MillwallFC) January 29, 2018

📷@Tim_Cahill will wear #Millwall's number seven shirt...#TheReturn pic.twitter.com/8HSkBQlOyB

— Millwall FC (@MillwallFC) January 29, 2018

“It’s taken us January to get there, but the reason we’re here is because of Tim’s commitment to come.

“He had lots of offers, lots of places around the world that he could’ve gone to, but he chose Millwall. I’m delighted to be bringing him into the squad.

“The players will thrive off the enthusiasm that he brings. When I played with him, I appreciated what he did. Since then, I’ve followed his career and admired what he has done and I know full well what he can bring to my dressing room.”

Cahill reiterated his determination to feature in a record-breaking fourth FIFA World Cup with the Socceroos.

“I’m really happy. I’ve had a great career, but to come here now at this stage of my career with so much at stake –wanting to do well, eyes on the World Cup as well,’’ Cahill said.

“It brings back so many memories, when I crossed the white line and walked onto the pitch it brought that nervous sensation that I had when I first signed as a 16-year-old.

“It’s just one of those things – it’s meant to be.”

Mark my words, Cahill will make an impact at Millwall and he will be on the plane to Russia next June.