Cahill made the move to English Championship side Millwall earlier this year in pursuit of game time after he was frozen out the starting line up at Melbourne City despite his marquee wage.

But even once back in the UK at his former club, he only made cameo appearances for the London side, plunging his call up to the Socceroos into doubt.

Despite the lack of playing minutes, Cahill still got the nod from coach Bert van Marwijk to join the Russia 2018 squad.

He is now set to make history if he can score at four consecutive World Cups and join the exclusive football elite of legendary strikers Pele, Miroslav Klose and Uwe Seeler.

Cahill fronted the press today to shrug off concerns about his fitness and readiness to play.

"I've been lucky – I've spent a whole year getting ready for these three games," he said defiantly. "I've always made calculated decisions for myself and my family.

"I'm not really fazed by outside noise. As a professional, you've got to hit certain levels that gets you to where you are today."

He admitted he would have been devastated to have missed out on his spot in Russia – and pulled out all the stops to make it happen.

He says Millwall even organised secret games to get him up to speed in time.

"It would have been a massive heartache not being here if it didn't work out – but it wouldn't have been for the want of trying," he said today.

"Going to Millwall was amzing because I was lucky I had [Socceroos sports scientists] Les Gelis and Craig Duncan and the Australian set up 24/7.

"And Millwall backed me to create behind closed doors to make sure my data was high."

He added: "The proof is in the pudding because I've not missed a training session here.

"It's been intense. I like being top of the class when it comes to being mentally and physically ready."