Cahill in a play for time

SOCCEROOS great Tim Cahill negotiated an exit from ALeague side Melbourne City as he seeks the perfect preparation for the World Cup.

Yesterday – his birthday – Cahill and City tore up his playing deal, allowing the striker to find a club to give him the game time he craves ahead of Russia 2018.

But whether Cahill (pictured) has enhanced or diminished his prospects of starring at a fourth tournament remains to be seen. The veteran went public with his demand for more playing time in the aftermath of Australia’s 3-1 win over Honduras that sealed the Socceroos’ place in Russia.

Cahill has started just one A-League game for City this season, in which he injured his ankle ahead of the Honduras playoff.