Earlier this week, Football Federation Australia announced details of Cahill's farewell match against Lebanon at Sydney's ANZ Stadium on November 20.

The announcement was met by criticism online that giving the retired Cahill game-time was a waste in an important match as part of the Socceroos' preparation for the 2019 Asian Cup defence.

"It won't be a circus at all," Arnold said today. "I'll make it clear so everyone knows that Timmy will get five minutes at the end of the game plus injury time."

The new Socceroos boss referenced Tony Popovic, Stan Lazaridis and Tony Vidmar's farewell games against Paraguay, as well as Josip Skoko's send-off against Argentina.

He also reversed the situation on the media, asking reporters their opinion.

"Do you guys believe it's a good gesture, five minutes and say goodbye?" Arnold said. "So write it. Then write it."

He added: "Timmy will not be a distraction at all. It's important this Lebanon game will be treated, first and foremost, as preparation for the Asian Cup which it will be. 

"For 85 minutes of that game, it'll be all about preparation for the Asian Cup and for five minutes it'll be to say goodbye to a country's legend.

"I believe any player who plays more than 100 games deserves something special. Timmy knows he's not starting the game and there was never any conversation about that."

Arnold also revealed Cahill wouldn't be part of the Socceroos camp throughout the period which also includes a friendly against South Korea.

"Timmy will come into camp probably the day of the game or the night before," Arnold said.

"He doesn't need to be in the camp for the three or four days, he's got a five-minute cameo role and that's it."