To see Tim at his gala dinner in Sydney and the Socceroos in Melbourne this morning...
  

Cahill's status in the Socceroos line-up has gone through the roof since the last World Cup four years ago in Germany when the Everton star famously scored Australia's first ever goals in the World Cup finals when his two late strikes helped the Socceroos' famously come from behind to beat Japan 3-1 in their opening match.

Heading into that World Cup, Mark Viduka was widely seen as Australia's most potent weapon.

But with Viduka now retired and Harry Kewell again battling injury problems, Cahill knows that the bulk of the country's hopes for World Cup success are now riding on his shoulders.

However the 30-year-old wouldn't have it any other way

"I just take it as a compliment," he said of his status these days as Australia's highest profile and best player.

"I wouldn't be here (as part of Australia's World Cup squad) if I wasn't playing great domestically and internationally."

Cahill was left in no doubt as to his status these days this morning when he received a Beatles-type reception from hundreds of fans in Melbourne as he appeared alongside some of his fellow Socceroos at a breakfast meet and greet with the fans.

However Cahill, who has just signed a new four year deal with his beloved Everton, says that even if he wasn't happy to take the extra responsibility that comes with being the Socceroos' highest profile player these days, he effectively has no choice anyway given that he has scored the most international goals (18 from just 37 appearances) of any member of Australia's 31-man preliminary World Cup squad.

"We have got no choice, Australia needs leaders and there are a lot of leaders in this team and if that (mantle) is passed onto me then I accept it because it's a responsibility we deserve because we play at some of the biggest clubs in the world," he said.

"There are expectations on our shoulders and without being overly confident, you have to try and fulfil people's dreams."

Cahill says he is heading into this World Cup in far better shape than four years ago in Germany when he was used off the bench in that opening game against Japan after having gone into the tournament with a foot injury

But this time he is fully fit and raring to go, having just helped Everton to an eighth-placed finish in the English Premier League.

"I am four more years experienced and I know more about my body," he said when asked the difference between his preparation for this World Cup and the 2006 tournament in Germany.

"I have had a consistent season and I have got my goals both internationally and domestically again so I have come into the camp with no problems."

Cahill said the Socceroos - despite being drawn in a tougher group time around against highly-rated trio Germany, Serbia and Ghana - were more than capable of matching their effort of four years ago of making it to the knockout stages.

He added: "We have got a great work ethic, great character in the team and a team that sticks together so that is the most important thing."

To see Tim at his gala dinner in Sydney and the Socceroos in Melbourne this morning...