Cahill certain he’s up for Russia challenge

SOCCEROOS great Tim Cahill has declared that his flawless training regimen proves that he is fit enough for Russia, but said the decision rests with Bert van Marwijk.

Cahill has not skipped a beat during the intensive week-long training camp in the Turkish heat, which he said sits just behind Guus Hiddink’s gruelling 2006 regimen.

Australia’s record goalscorer was unfazed by suggestions that the Caltex sponsorship secured his squad selection after playing a bit-part role at Milwall. Cahill said there was nowhere to hide during the double sessions as the stakes are raised ahead of the final cull to 23 players.

“I’m not going to say I’m confident [of making the final squad], I’m not confident. I’m not going to say anything, I’ll let everyone else speak,’’ Cahill said. “It’s fair [that people questioned his fitness], but I have not missed a minute [of training in Turkey].

“The boss doesn’t say to me, ‘Tim you can do less because you’re 38’. I look to do more.

“I couldn’t be happier at the minute because after the seven days I’m feeling good and it’s been really intense — twohour sessions, double sessions, you name it. That’s what I’ve prepared for now for the last 3-4 years leading into this, just to be competitive enough to be vying for a spot to get on the plane come announcement time.

“I couldn’t be sitting here if I wasn’t fit enough. It’s going to be the manager’s call.”

Cahill’s GPS data has been impressive, believed to be clocking up around 5.8km a day at training.

“Some are saying you’re only in the squad because of commercial reasons. For me there’s no bigger motivator than people not seeing what I do off the park,’’ he said.

“How’s it going to knock me about? It put a smirk on my face. It doesn’t faze me.”