To see Tim and his team-mates in Sydney...

 
Cahill, who endured a mixed World Cup campaign in South Africa which included a controversial red card in the opening loss to Germany, will return to the pitch on Saturday night when his English Premier League club Everton take on A-League champions Sydney FC.

Speaking at a packed media conference on Monday to promote the Everton Down Under series which includes matches against Melbourne Heart and Brisbane Roar, the 30-year-old declared himself ready to return to club duties despite having barely had a rest this year.

But when attention turned to the Socceroos' Asian Cup campaign, Cahill would not commit to the three-week tournament beginning on January 7.

"I'm lucky I've got a great relationship with the (Everton) manager (David Moyes) and the players and the whole staff and it's all about being sensible," a coy Cahill said of his likely involvement with the national team.

"So it's all about being sensible and I'm lucky that I've got the right people to talk to and assess that situation when it comes to it."

Moyes insists he won't stand in Cahill's way should he choose to play for his country.

"If it comes in under the FIFA regulations we always abide by the FIFA regulations," Moyes said.

"And we have to say how much we admire Tim because we've all travelled out here from England and our players all still in their beds with jet lag.

"For Tim to travel out here and play (for the Socceroos) and then return to play in the Premier League, it's an incredibly hard thing to do and that should never be underestimated how difficult that is."

Meanwhile, Moyes expressed disbelief over Cahill's red card against Germany but predicted the Everton star would play a key role in Australia's next World Cup campaign.

"When I saw the sending off, I thought it was a terrible decision against him," Moyes said.

"Tim prepared all through the year ... to get sent off for that could have ruled him out of the whole World Cup.

"But I think Tim's fit enough to see another World Cup as well. I think he'll be strong enough and able to go for another one so hopefully it's not his last one."

The man himself was less forthcoming when quizzed on his aspirations to take part in a third World Cup.

"My main focus now is Everton," Cahill said.

"I think the best thing for me is focusing on this pre-season and a big season because we put so much time and effort in every year to be as good as we can be and set some targets that we like to live up to.

"And I think as long as I stay fit and keep playing consistently then I'll be happy and we'll see what happens in four years."

To see Tim in Sydney...