Socceroo superstar Tim Cahill says Australia’s squad must be ruthless if they are to make an impact at January's Asian Cup.
Speaking at a packed press conference on Monday, Cahill spoke at length about the tournament.
He explained it wouldn't be right to say the Socceroos are going to win the tournament, but he called for the team to step up on the big stage.
“I’m here be part of the team to try and win something.
"I’m saying trying because I’m not going to say we are going to win it because that would be disrespectful to the other teams," the Socceroo striker and talisman said.
However, Cahill was keen to stress the improvement in the green and gold since the World Cup in Brazil last June and the need for a killer edge to their game.
“Three group games and we have to be ruthless," he said.
“I don’t’ care how we win, as long as we win and let’s try and get through this group stage by making an impact."
The Socceroos face Kuwait on January 9 at AAMI Park followed by Oman in Sydney and Korea Republic in Brisbane.
However, Cahill felt Iran were looming as a tournament dark horse.
“Japan’s an obvious and there are few dark horses but I really feel Iran with the way they performed at the World Cup they were pretty special," he said.
Iran's "Team Melli" are managed by the well respected Carlos Queiroz, a former boss of Portugal, Real Madrid and an assistant coach with Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.
“This is it, this is the business end," added Cahill.
“This is what we get judged on. And there are no excuses on all of us.
“I’m with the boss [Ange Postecoglou]. I’ve always been fearless.
“We’re at home, home advantage. But at the same time we’ve a great squad. We’ve been building every month to build this team together.
“It’s down to us to produce with actions. I’m confident we can fulfil our potential in this tournament."
Cahill revealed he didn’t expect to play all minutes in the tournament in a similar way to previous tournaments where he’s made an impact as a super-sub.
“I’m going to enjoy it but I’m not here to make up the numbers. So there’s a message in that, that I’ll be pushing as hard as I can to be ready to perform at a high level.
“You have to ready when you are selected to give it your all when selected. I know I’m not going to play seven 90 minutes.
“But most of all it’s time, like I always play, to be ruthless.”
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