Caltex Socceroos boss Ange Postecoglou is confident Melbourne City star Tim Cahill can make an impact in Australia’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers despite limited game time in the Hyundai A-League.
Cahill was today (Tue) named in Postecoglou’s final 23-man squad for this month’s crucial games against Iraq (March 24) and UAE (Mar 28).
Ange on Cahill’s match fitness
Melbourne City’s marquee had the weekend off due to the split round in the Hyundai A-League and has played just over 50 minutes of football over the past month.
City host Newcastle Jets this weekend and while Postecoglou is hopeful the 37-year-old will see some action, he has no hesitation bringing the veteran into the squad.
“Hopefully he will get some minutes this weekend,” Postecoglou told reporters on Tuesday.
“Again his training’s been good and he feels really good. From our perspective, it’s not the first time we’ve brought Timmy in with limited game time.
“He’s proved pretty resilient in the past in being able to do a job for us.“
Ange on Cahill impact
With the squad dominated by midfielders, Cahill along with Tomi Juric, Mat Leckie and James Troisi will be charged with finding the target for the Socceroos.
And while admitting Cahill’s match fitness isn’t ideal, Postecoglou said his value as an impact player was too good to ignore.
“With Timmy, there’s no expectations on him to play two 90 minutes of football.Â
“It’s more about the impact he can make in the two games. He’s proved that in the past,” he said.
“Hopefully he can get some minutes this weekend to top him up a little bit and hopefully he comes into camp in decent condition.”
The Caltex Socceroos tackle UAE in a crucial World Cup Qualifier in Sydney on March 28.  Click here for tickets.
