Source: Team_Talk
Cahill relishing Australia captaincy
Tim Cahill insists he will relish the extra responsibility that comes with being Australia's top man at the World Cup in South Africa.[LNB] Cahill's status in the Socceroos' line-up has gone through the roof since the last World Cup four years ago in Germany when he scored Australia's first ever goals in the World Cup finals when his two late strikes helped the team come from behind to beat Japan 3-1 in their opening match.[LNB]Heading into that World Cup, it was Mark Viduka who was widely seen as Australia's most potent weapon.[LNB]However, with Viduka now retired and Harry Kewell again battling injury problems, Everton midfielder Cahill knows the bulk of the country's hopes for World Cup success are now on his shoulders.[LNB]Something the 30-year-old would not have any other way.[LNB]Cahill said: "I just take it as a compliment.[LNB]"I wouldn't be here (as part of Australia's World Cup squad) if I wasn't playing great domestically and internationally."[LNB]Cahill was left in no doubt as to his status when he received a Beatles type reception from hundreds of fans in Melbourne when he appeared alongside some of his fellow Socceroos at a sponsor's breakfast meet and greet with the fans.[LNB]Cahill, who has just signed a new four-year deal with the Toffees, also admits it is natural he has become high-profile given he has scored more goals, 18 in 37 appearances, than anyone else in the 31-man preliminary squad.[LNB]"We have got no choice, Australia needs leaders and there are a lot of leaders in this team and if that (mantle) is passed on to me then I accept it because it's a responsibility we deserve because we play at some of the biggest clubs in the world," he said.[LNB]"There are expectations on our shoulders and without being overly confident, you have to try and fulfil people's dreams."[LNB]Cahill is heading into this World Cup in far better shape than four years ago in Germany after having gone into the tournament with a foot injury[LNB]But this time he is fully fit having just helped Everton to an eighth-placed finish in the Premier League.[LNB]"I am four more years experienced and I know my about my body," he continued.[LNB]"I have had a consistent season and I have got my goals both internationally and domestically again so I have come into the (Socceroos) camp with no problems."[LNB]He is also confident the team - despite being drawn in a tougher group against highly-rated trio Germany, Serbia and Ghana - were more than capable of matching their effort of four years ago of making it to the knockout stages.[LNB]"We have got a great work ethic, great character in the team and a team that sticks together so that is the most important thing."
