Tim time is here

SOCCEROOS legend Tim Cahill says he has spent a year thinking and preparing for three matches: the Socceroos’ group games in Russia.

What is beyond that, Cahill has yet to contemplate as he prepares to run out for Australia at a fourth World Cup.

His extraordinary longevity for the national team has led to him becoming the record scorer for Australia.

At 38, he’s the fourth-oldest player in Russia; a living, breathing monument to Australian football.

But without a club contract to play on past this tournament, the end might be coming sooner rather than later.

Speaking in Kazan yesterday as the Socceroos prepared for their opener against France, Cahill would not be drawn on his playing future.

“We train today. We train the day after and we play France. That’s all that’s in my mind,” he said.

What is clear is that he has spent the past year entirely focused on the national team.

Cahill departed A-League home Melbourne City acrimoniously in December after the Socceroos’ successful qualification for Russia.

Landing a romantic move back to his first overseas club, second-tier English side Millwall, in January, he has spent the past five months on the bench. In the past year, he has played less than three hours of football at club level, making one start and scoring no goals.

It is understandable why there might be doubts on Cahill’s ability to have an impact in Russia, but the striker says he will be happy to let his football do the talking.

“The proof is always in the pudding because I have not missed a training session here,” he said.

“When it comes to being physically and mentally ready and you guys can look at the game time but I have been lucky. I spent a whole year getting ready for three games.

“Selfish as it might sound, I have always put my country first.”