Cahill hints at City exit before World Cup

Nov 16, 2017 - 6:09 AM There'll be a frank discussion at Bundoora in the coming days.

And Tim Cahill will be banking on his post-World Cup qualification powerplay when the Socceroos veteran sits down with Melbourne City coach Warren Joyce to talk over Wednesday night's bombshell.

After Australia downed Honduras 3-1 Cahill declared he had "big decisions to make" in the lead-up to Russia 2018, suggesting he'd leave City if he can't get regular A-League minutes.

The Socceroos talisman, who turns 38 next month, overcame an ankle problem in time to run out nearly 70 minutes in a result that sends Australia and himself to a fourth straight showpiece.

He has been used only frugally off the bench by Joyce this season, his first start against Sydney FC interrupted by the injury that had the national squad on tenterhooks throughout their final two-legged play-off.

"I've got to make some big decisions on the level of where I'm playing at and what I'm going to do," Cahill said after Australia's triumph.

"I need game time ... It's something that I'll make sure that either way for me I'm always going to play. If I don't, I'll find a way to play.

"I need to play and I need to stay fit ... to get to a World Cup you need to be playing at the highest level."

The veiled threat blindsided his club coach, who must now strike a fine balance between City's fortunes and the needs of Australia's biggest World Cup goal threat.

Joyce planned to talk to his skipper as soon as possible.

"I'm not trying to duck it but I watched the game and went to bed and I've not actually heard it from Tim himself," he said on Thursday.

Joyce pointed out Cahill did start City's biggest game of the season against the Sky Blues, adding that City had helped manage his ageing body through the gruelling demands of domestic and international football.

"Australia is one of the few countries, if not the only country, which doesn't have any international break during the period," he said.

"Timmy has been involved in a lot of football - and not with us - as a result."

Joyce even ventured City could take some credit for Cahill's incredible 120-minute shift in Australia's 2-1 home qualifying win over Syria last month.

"The fact we've managed to get him to play 120 minutes in one game without playing full games for us, because we knew he couldn't start for us, is a credit to the medical staff and the sports science staff here."

Cahill's deal at City expires at the end of the season but also includes coaching next season which would be derailed if he left.

Joyce was yet to decide whether Cahill will be involved in Friday night's away match against Brisbane Roar but may entertain the possibility as he sweats on the fitness of several players.

Source: AAP