The 36-year-old netted his 48th goal in 92 international appearances with just his second touch after being introduced in the 71st minute of the away victory.

"That's what I want to do. I want them to be fearful of me when I come on,” Cahill told Fox Sports.

"I want them to give me some space and I've earned that respect over the last 10 years, and I'm not going sit back, I'm really going to push as hard as I can.

“This result, every time we put on the jersey, means so much."

Cahill was also full of praise for his team-mates who put in a heroic shift, before his late cameo sealed the win.

“I scored but it was because of the collective performance ... if you ask me if I think I’m going to score when I go on the pitch, of course I do,” Cahill said.

“The way the game panned out, everything the boss asked of us we did. We were disciplined, we were patient.

“The effort Tomi Juric put in to wear out defenders ... Lecks (Mathew Leckie). Krusie (Robbie Kruse). Midfield. The defence was immaculate.

“We knew they would tire, we got the overlap and a beautiful cross in. I got in behind the defender and that’s my job, that’s what I’m there to do.”

Postecoglou echoed Cahill’s sentiments, while praising the Melbourne City man.

“He’s there all the time, that’s why he’s there,” Postecoglou told Fox Sports.

“We only needed him for 20 minutes in those two games.

“The rest of the boys put in a shift, we missed our skipper tonight who’s so influential but we don’t make excuses.”