A RECENT newspaper report in Australia argued the case for the country’s most influential sportsperson. But rather than famed Antipodean talents such as Ricky Ponting, Shane Warne, Wendell Sailor and Andrew Johns, it was a name far more familiar to Evertonians that came out on top.
For Tim Cahill, the exalted status was further confirmation of a reputation that has blossomed since arriving at Goodison Park almost five years ago.
Coupled with his exploits for the Socceroos, the 29-year-old has become a hugely recognisable figure in his homeland, a profile that will mean thousands are expected to tune in during the early hours to watch Everton’s FA Cup final against Chelsea tomorrow.
And Cahill is acutely aware so many Australian hopes will be resting on him at Wembley.
“In Australia there are a lot of kids who look up to me, and I try to do the right thing for them,” he says. “I try to play with my heart on my sleeve, and I think they enjoy that I’m not only doing it for Everton but I’m doing it for Australia too.
“Every game I play in the Premier League, I have Australia behind me. I have a family that watches every game at all hours, and they send me texts before and after the games wishing me luck and so on.
“The Premier League is the biggest thing in the world and the FA Cup is one of the most prestigious cups in the world. It’s something I am passionate about and I would watch it as a kid.
“I’m flying the flag, but I’m so proud to be in that position.”
Cahill adds: “Every time I play on the pitch I want to be someone who changes the game, a leader, whether it’s scoring the goal, heading off the line or being involved at set plays.
“Everton are a pretty radical outfit in the fact that we pride ourselves on set plays on being very regimented. we can spend two hours in the video room and we’ll go through tactics.
“As a team, it’s only a small squad but we do tell each other off if things go wrong, and we do praise each other as well.”
Cahill, of course, is no stranger to FA Cup finals having appeared for Millwall against Manchester United at Cardiff in 2004.
Indeed, he is poised to become the first Australian to start two FA Cup finals. Craig Johnston, who played Under-21 football for England but was Australian, won the Cup with Liverpool in 1986 and played as a substitute on the losing side in 1988.
The only full Australian international ever to win the FA Cup to date is Harry Kewell with Liverpool in 2006, while the first Australian ever to play in an FA Cup final was Joe Marston for Preston North End in their defeat to West Bromwich Albion in 1954.
The FA Cup final appearance with Millwall, which resulted in a 3-0 defeat, was Cahill’s last appearance for the Lions before being taken out of the Championship to Goodison by David Moyes.
As rank underdogs, the midfielder recalls the message to the players that day was to enjoy the moment.
But with Everton aiming to bring a successful conclusion to a memorable Cup run, Cahill admits the only way he will enjoy Wembley tomorrow is with the trophy lofted above his head.
