Cahill’s exceptional first-half header proved the difference in a 1-0 win over Adelaide United at AAMI Park as City shored up a top four berth.

“The appetite for me (has been there) even more now as I get older,” the Socceroos legend told Fox Sports.

 “I just want to run more, I want to make sure I’m working harder, I want to tackle.

“And I want to make sure the guys know the levels, leading into finals, that are expected of us.

“Whether you finish third or sixth it doesn’t matter. You’ve got to win three games.

“If you put everything into every game starting from now, I’m pretty sure we can get there.”

Cahill magic strikes down Reds

City v Adelaide pic special

Cahill produced an impressive piece of contortion to head City into the lead after half an hour, somehow finding the top corner after a change in tactics.

“The first run I made to the near post before that I didn’t get any joy,” he explained.

“What I decided to do was start closer to the goal, make an inside run and then let the ball do the rest of the work. It’s a good finish but it’s all about the three points.”