Tim Cahill says Socceroos are in good hands for the future

Tim Cahill gets farewell game and throws support behind next generation of Socceroos strikers.

Tim Cahill says his testimonial international friendly against Lebanon on November 20th will be an emotional affair. Picture: Getty Images

Tim Cahill has thrown his support behind the next generation of Australian players, assuring fans “we will be fine” as the Socceroos continue to search for his heir apparent.

Regarded as our greatest Socceroo, Cahill, who retired from international soccer after the World Cup in Russia in July, said he was unconcerned about talk the Socceroos won’t be able to replace him and will struggle scoring goals now that he has left the national team.

Asked where the game is at in terms of finding the next Tim Cahill, he offered “we will be fine, we’ll be OK’’.

“Where I am at is, basically, I have been helping to groom the next players for the past four years,” Cahill said during an announcement that he will be given a farewell match with the Socceroos against Lebanon in a friendly at ANZ Stadium on November 20.

“For me, there are goals (in the players coming along). I have been helping out for the past four years with players like Tomi Juric, (Jamie) Maclaren, Dimi (Petratos), (Daniel) Arzani and Lecks (Mathew Leckie).

“It’s about being consistent and about the repetition. If you are scoring at club level you have to bring that to the international stage when it counts in the big games.

“Sitting next to Arzani on the bench (during the World Cup), I was talking to him about the situations I had in my head for when he would go on.

“Make your run, get to the line, cross the ball and I will score.

“It was always about being ready, just like in 2006 (when he came on as a substitute and scored two goals against Japan).”

Cahill believes new Socceroos coach Graham Arnold’s style of soccer will help the Socceroos find their goalscoring legs.

“We will keep the ball, have high possession so the players will thrive under those conditions,” he said. “I don’t think too much will change with the way we try to play.”

Cahill, who has signed to play with Jamshedpur FC in the Indian Super League, said he was humbled to be given the opportunity to say goodbye to the Socceroos and their fans.

He will be in camp with the squad in Brisbane for the game against South Korea but won’t play until the Lebanon game.

“I don’t know exactly what my role is going to be but I don’t expect anything. It could be just saying thank you and waving to the fans,” he said.

“But if they put me on for four minutes, you know I’m going to go out there to score. You know it’s in my blood.

“But I’m not going to go out there to hinder the team in any way for their preparations. Everyone knows how professional I am. It is not going to be a holiday camp.”

Asked about how he would feel Cahill, 38, said the Sydney game “will be the most emotional game of my career”.

“I have been having flashbacks (of his career) all the time (since his international retirement),” he said. “The emotions, they will be in the change rooms with being part of the group.

“But, it is a proper game and there will be the same preparation.

“I know exactly what it is all about and they (his teammates) know what they will get from me whether I am on the pitch for a minute or whether I stay on the bench.”

Cahill said he was excited by the challenge of India.

“I’ve played in England, the US, China, Australia and now I’ll be playing in India … a massive population and a different culture,” he said.

“I spoke to a number of people, high-profile sports people. I spoke to (former Australian cricketer) Brett Lee, so I know what to expect (in India).

“I am very fit and I have looked after myself. I want to make a difference in India and I am glad to get the opportunity.
“It will likely be my last contract and I want to do the best I can, as always.”