Cahill fit for Honduras

VETERAN talisman Tim Cahill (pix) said yesterday he had recovered from an ankle injury and was fit to play for Australia in this week’s World Cup playoff with Honduras in Sydney. The country’s all-time leading scorer remained on the bench during the goalless first leg in San Pedro Sula on Friday but said he was expecting to make an appearance in Wednesday’s do-or-die match to qualify for Russia 2018. And the 103-cap forward said he would be ready to start if called upon by coach Ange Postecoglou.

“If I had to play in Honduras I definitely would have made a contribution,” Cahill told reporters.

“That’s what it’s all about, putting your body on the line and sacrificing for these two games, for such a big occasion for our country to qualify for a fourth consecutive World Cup. “I’m feeling really good. It was awesome to train in Honduras and get two sessions in so I feel great. I feel like I’m going to be involved and it’s all about Wednesday night.”

Cahill, at 37, remains an indispensable member of the Socceroos. His two headed goals earned Australia a 2-1 victory over Syria in Sydney last month to set up the intercontinental playoff with Honduras.

“We always respect our opponent but from the performance we’ve seen in Honduras, I feel the team is ready to put in a good performance,” he said. – AFP